The Philippines highlighted its economic growth and investment potential with strong participation in two of China’s biggest international trade events — the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing and the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen.
At the opening of the Philippine Pavilion at CIFTIS on Sept. 11, Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz invited Chinese investors and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the country. “The Philippines is a highly resilient, globally competitive hub for services in Asia. We are open for business and we welcome China, our largest trading partner, to partner with us in high-growth services and industries,” he said.
The pavilion, organized by the Department of Tourism-Beijing and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Beijing, showcased tourism and hospitality, digital services, health and wellness, creative industries, education, and professional services under the theme “Thrive Together: Where Paradise Fuels Progress.” Visitors enjoyed Philippine coffee, local fruits, cultural performances, and interactive activities highlighting the country’s strengths as both a tourism hotspot and a services hub.
During the country forum, FiberHome Philippines CEO Johnny Jiang shared how the company expanded telecom infrastructure with 121 service offices and employed over 15,000 workers, 98 percent of them Filipinos. Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda emphasized the potential of expanding digital infrastructure and services, while Tourism Attaché Ireneo Reyes promoted the Philippines’ world-class island destinations and opportunities for sustainable investments.
The Philippines also joined CIFIT on Sept. 8–11, where its booth focused on manufacturing, industrial hubs, and ecozone prospects. CIFIT, hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Fujian Provincial People’s Government, is China’s leading investment promotion platform.
FlorCruz said the Philippines’ active presence in both CIFTIS and CIFIT shows the government’s “consistency and resolve” in positioning the country as a premier destination for Chinese trade and investment.