The Chinese-Filipino Business Club, Inc. celebrated this year’s Chinese-Filipino Friendship Day by inviting the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to China, Hon. Jaime A. FlorCruz, as keynote speaker in an online public forum with the theme “Strengthening Bilateral Relations between the Philippines and China: Opportunities and Challenges" held on last June 9.
On that day, representatives of chambers of commerce in the Philippines, leaders of major Chinese chambers of commerce, associations, leaders of overseas Chinese schools and media representatives, and colleagues of the Association in Metro Manila and other provinces attended the forum which was moderated by Mr. Reginald Yu. President Stephen Sia gave a welcoming speech and Executive Vice President Samuel Lee Uy introduced the Guest of Honor.
In his short speech, Ambassador FlorCruz emphasized the great contribution of China in revitalizing the Philippine economy, saying that China is currently the largest trading partner of the Philippines. He also mentioned that during President Marcos Jr.'s visit to China earlier this year, talks focused on the four pillars of bilateral relations between the country and China: infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and cultural exchanges.
In addition to economic cooperation, the ambassador also aims to strengthen humanistic exchanges between the two countries. He said the Embassy is committed to promoting Filipino culture and arts, as well as Filipino values, in China. The Embassy is also innovating its mechanisms to speed up the process of issuing Philippine visas to legitimate Chinese applicants.
After a concise presentation, Ambassador FlorCruz immediately moved on to an open question and answer session. Attendees typed in their questions in the chat room, and moderator, Mr. Yu, asked them on their behalf.
When asked about untapped areas of the ASEAN region with great potential, the Ambassador emphasized the role of infrastructure development and active tourism in promoting economic development. Amb. FlorCruz shared his insights in detail and answered questions comprehensively. His feedback was well received by all participants.
In his closing remarks, Corporate Secretary Henry Go expressed his gratitude and hope for the long and prosperous neighborly relationship between the Philippines and China. The forum was successfully concluded after two hours.
菲華工商總會訊：今年為慶祝菲中友誼日，本會特於六月九日（星期五）上午誠邀新任菲律濱駐華特命全權大使吉米‧福羅庫茲（Hon. Jaime
Adriano FlorCruz）擔任主講人，假線上舉辦主題為《加強中菲雙邊關係：機遇與挑戰》公開問答論壇。當天，中國駐菲使館政治處何山秘書，駐菲外國商會代表，華社各主要商會、社團領導、僑校領導及媒體代表和本會大馬尼拉及外省同仁，共近一百三十人出席，講座由李尚強主持，他首先向大家介紹了出席論壇的各華社主要社團貴賓及本會領導，並簡介本會各項服務方案。理事長謝國萬致歡迎詞，執行副理事長介紹主講人。
在簡短的演講中FlorCruz大使強調了中國在振興菲律濱經濟方面的巨大貢獻。FlorCruz大使表示，中國是菲律濱目前最大的貿易夥伴。他還提到，在小馬科斯總統今年初訪華期間，會談內容主要集中在我國與中國雙邊關係的四大支柱：基礎設施、能源、農業和人文交流。
除了經濟合作外，大使還致力於加強兩國之間的人文交流。他說大使館致力於在中國推廣菲律濱文化和藝術，以及菲律濱的價值觀。大使館還在創新其機制，以加快向合法的中國申請者簽發菲律濱簽證的過程。
FlorCruz大使在做了精簡的演講之後，馬上進入開放問答環節。與會者在聊天室打上他們的問題，再由主持人李尚強代為提問。當被問及具有巨大潛力的未開發領域時，大使強調了基礎設施建設和積極發展旅遊業在促進東盟地區經濟發展方面的作用。FlorCruz大使詳細地分享了他的見解，並深入簡出地回答提問者的問題。受到全體與會者的讚許。
本會立案秘書吳恆利致閉幕詞，對菲律濱和中國之間長期繁榮的鄰居關係充滿感激和希望。論壇在歷經兩個小時候後圓滿結束。
圖片說明：
上圖：（左起）謝國萬，Hon. Jaime A. FlorCruz大使，黃書瑋，吳恆利。
中圖：頒發感謝盾予主講人，由主持人李尚強宣讀內容。
下圖：論壇結束後與出席者合影截圖。
