China to hold roadshows to invite Philippine business to participate in first int'l import expo: embassy

MANILA - China will organize three roadshows of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in different cities in the Philippines next month to invite local enterprises to join the event, said an official from Chinese embassy on Wednesday.

Chinese embassy's Economic and Commercial Counsellor Jin Yuan met on Wednesday with Senen Perlada, Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau Director. During the meeting, both have agreed to hold three roadshows of the CIIE in March. The first roadshow will be held on Mar 16 in Metro Manila, the second one will be held on Mar 20 in Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines and the third one will be held on Mar 23 in Davao, a major city in the southern Philippines.

All the three roadshows of the CIIE will be organized by the Chinese embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The roadshow in Metro Manila will invite about 300 local businessmen and the ones in Cebu and Davao will invite around 100.

The CIIE, a major event organized by the Chinese government to promote a new round of high-level opening-up, will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to Nov 10 this year.

According to the Chinese embassy, the Chinese government will promote the CIIE through videos, speeches and consultations in the roadshows. Philippines enterprises will be invited to register and join the CIIE to seek business opportunities in China.

The CIIE will include exhibitions and forums, provides a platform for trade and services, and offers opportunities for closer international cooperation.

State leaders, entrepreneurs and scholars from over 100 countries and regions are expected to participate in the expo.

The Philippine government already confirmed to participate in the expo and booked 100 booths.