GOVPH

Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas welcomed Director General Chen Zewen and his delegation, who highlighted Guangdong’s role as a major hub for China’s gaming and animation industry, accounting for over 40% of the global market. NBICT-GZ, designated by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is strengthening partnerships with RCEP economies, including the Philippines.

The Consulate invited NBICT-GZ to participate in Philippine animation and gaming exhibitions and explore engagements with the Animation Council of the Philippines and Game Development Association of the Philippines. NBICT-GZ also expressed keen interest in engaging with Filipino designers based in Guangdong for future projects that promote Philippine art.

Philippine Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas emphasized Guangdong’s role as the Philippines’ top Chinese trading partner, accounting for 41.5% of total bilateral trade, with an 11.4% increase in imports from the Philippines from 2023 to 2024. He encouraged participation in major trade fairs such as the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning and the Canton Fair to expand market access and benchmark with other foreign enterprises.

Notable attendees included Mr. Christian Ted Tungohan, DTI-Laguna Provincial Director, Mr. Li Qiqiu of China Certification and Inspection Group, and Mr. Allan Liu of the China-Philippine Chamber of Commerce. They reaffirmed support for Philippine SMEs aiming at entering the Chinese market.

As the sister city of Manila and with Guangdong as the sister province of Cebu, Guangzhou remains a strategic hub for Philippine exports. With its integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA), new opportunities for trade expansion continue to emerge.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou, the Philippine China Chamber of Commerce, DTI-Laguna, and the Consulate General are committed to assisting Filipino businesses in entering the Chinese market.