VP NOLI CALLS FOR DEEPER ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL TIES IN WESTERN CHINA TRADE FORUM
November 3, 2008

“This activity is a source of optimism… a reminder that there is hope for a better future, that despite the problems of the global economy, we can look forward to more opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation,” remarked Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro in his keynote address before government officials and businessmen from China and other countries at the First Western China International Cooperation Forum, an international forum organized by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government in China.

The event was one of the highlights of the 9th Western China International Economy and Trade Fair held last October 26 to 31, 2008 at the New International Convention and Exposition Center in Chengdu Century City, capital of Sichuan.

The Vice President introduced business opportunities in the Philippines and pitched for greater cooperation between the country and West China on economy, culture, trade and tourism.

The Forum was attended by government and business leaders from China, Laos, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kyrgyztan, Macao Special Administrative Region and other countries.

Centered on the theme “Strengthening the opening up and cooperation and constructing a new Pan-Asian transportation and logistics system, “the forum is envisioned as a launching pad for West China’s campaign for stronger international linkages.

China’s Western Development Program has led to vast improvements in infrastructure and sci-tech supports in the last ten years and the Chinese government is now seeking to support these developments by opening up the region to international trade.

The Forum culminated with the presentation of the Chengdu Consensus 2008, a resolution expressing West China’s commitments to the development in the Pan-Asian region, including constructing a transportation network, opening up a logistics system, expanding financing channels, optimizing tourism development resources, improving environmental protection and establishing a platform for international cooperation. (-more-)De Castro also met with Liu Qibao, Secretary of Sichuan Provincial Committee of Chinese Communist Party and Director of the Organizing Committee of the Western China International Economy and Trade Fair, other Chinese state leaders and guests during the inauguration of the trade fair.

First held in 2000, the Fair is the largest international trade and economy event in West China and one of the most important platforms of regional cooperation and international exchange.

The Fair grounds cover an area of over 100,000 square meters, with more than 40,000 local and foreign merchants participating.

The yearly Fair is usually held in May, but was postponed to October this year following the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan—the strongest and deadliest earthquake to hit China since 1976.

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