In our engagements with the superpower neighbor China, it appears that it is the Philippine private sector that is showing the government how to handle things and issues correctly. Listen, Tarriela, Carpio, Tulfo and Risa: business and trade, not quarrels with China.
The local business community wants to engage China by prioritizing business and enterprise, working of peace and stability in the ASEAN region, promoting and defending jobs for Filipinos, having a friendly trading relationship with Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese mainland, and keeping away from mentioning the topic of Taiwan which we all know is a sensitive one for China.
In the case of business, it is a whiff of fresh air that the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has announced its hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Chinese Business Leaders Summit in Metro Manila this October.
This is a part of the organization’s efforts to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) and promote the Philippines as a regional tourism and business hub during the country’s 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
In a statement on Friday, Feb. 27, FFCCCII said the summit will be held from Oct. 18 to 20, bringing together regional investors, business leaders, and policymakers to strengthen economic ties between Southeast Asia and China while showcasing opportunities in the Philippines.
The event builds on the inaugural summit held in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 2025, which gathered around 600 delegates from across Asia and highlighted growing private-sector cooperation within the region.
FFCCCII president Victor Lim said the gathering aims to position the Philippine private sector as a bridge linking Southeast Asia with global markets.
“This is a golden opportunity to showcase the best of the Philippines,” Lim said. “As we mark the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and harness the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), our message is clear: The Philippines is open for business and ready to welcome the world.” RCEP is the world’s largest free trade agreement (FTA), bringing together ASEAN and key partners including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
According to FFCCCII, discussions during the summit will focus on driving FDIs, expanding two-way trade, and integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into regional value chains. Organizers also expect the event to support tourism promotion by encouraging visiting delegates to explore local destinations.
“Every delegate is a potential tourist and a potential investor,” Lim added. “Let us unite in extending the highest level of hospitality. This is our moment for the country to shine.”
To recall, FFCCCII earlier emphasized that the Philippines’ role as ASEAN chair presents an opportunity to translate diplomacy into tangible economic gains through deeper regional cooperation and reforms aimed at inclusive growth.
According to Lim, the country’s leadership of the regional bloc should serve as “the catalyst that translates outstanding diplomacy into tangible economic advancement for every Filipino,” adding that foreign policy and economic partnerships must be harnessed to support poverty alleviation, social progress, and inclusive development.
He noted that growth engines such as tourism, FDIs, exports, manufacturing, agriculture, and regional partnerships should help strengthen rural communities, improve education and health systems, and expand infrastructure that connects Filipinos to economic opportunities.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #ViewfromCalumpang