China’s rapid economic development and demand for mineral resources will also make the Philippines’ mining industry a most beneficial area for cooperation.

On the part of the Philippines, our companies will continue to invest in China and contribute their bit to the development of Chinese society.

The Philippines is also very strong in human resources. Filipinos are in great demand in many countries around the world because of their skills. I understand that some Chinese officials also learned English in the Philippines. The Philippines can continue to share its experience with China in this regard.

What should the two countries do to further promote investment in each other?

There currently is more investment from the Philippines in China than the other way around. Attracting investment from China is a major task for the Philippines. With the continued growth of the Philippine economy and China’s “go global” investment policy, we expect increased Chinese investment in the near future. Two agreements signed during President Hu Jintao’s state visit to the Philippines in April 2005, on investment cooperation and on infrastructure cooperation, provide the framework for Chinese investments in agribusiness, the development of mineral resources, and in infrastructure projects such as railways, energy and construction. These projects will bring mutually beneficial results for the growth of the two economies.

In June 2006, Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai led a powerful business delegation to the Philippines. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding for the eventual establishment of a bilateral “economic partnership” was signed. Areas being considered for cooperation under this partnership include agriculture, housing construction, public works and infrastructure, tourism, mining and energy. Both sides are working on the details of this partnership.

What role do people-to-people linkages play between the two countries?

People-to-people ties are the strongest bases for promoting bilateral relations. This is because the Philippines and China have historical and familial ties that antedate the establishment of diplomatic relations by at least a millennium. The Chinese Filipino community also contributes greatly to the boosting of people-to-people relations.

People-to-people ties are also reinforced by the active cultural program between the Philippines and China. Since 1979, we have signed 13 protocols to implement the cultural agreement between the two sides.

I also have great faith in the role of tourism in boosting friendship and understanding between our two peoples. Thus, we will continue to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination for Chinese, just as hundreds of thousands of Filipinos visit China every year.

As may be seen, the government appreciates the value of people-to-people linkages in boosting bilateral relations. Thus, we will ensure that the relationship continues to grow in scope and depth, not only at the official level but, just as importantly, at the people-to-people level. This will involve active exchanges not only between leaders and officials but also between our two peoples, especially the youth.