Chongqing—The Chinese government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation sparked a response from Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, Philippine Consul General in Chongqing. Mayo shared her views on the report, providing insights into the Consulate's achievements and prospects for deeper cooperation between the Philippines and southwest China.

According to this year's government work report, China will make it easier for foreign nationals to work, study, and travel in China. All market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in services sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced.

Addressing the recent measures introduced by the National Immigration Administration in January 2024, Mayo expressed enthusiasm for their potential impact on facilitating more substantial exchanges. She said, "We welcome these measures as an important step to open doors for foreign nationals. Easing work, study, and travel entry processes builds momentum for China's further opening up."

The Consul General specifically highlighted the opportunities for Filipinos, saying, "We hope that the recent measures will pave the way not only for more Filipino professionals but also students, tourists, and business representatives to come to southwest China and see for themselves the significant opportunities that abound in the region."

"In the past year, we made significant strides in further strengthening Philippines-Southwest China relations through various activities, including people-to-people engagements that have been the lynchpin of the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and China," said Mayo.

Throughout 2023, the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing actively fostered cultural awareness and trade opportunities. Initiatives included a Philippine Arts and Crafts Exhibition in January, a Christmas bazaar in December, and a celebration of Philippine Independence Day in June.

The Philippine Consulate General actively supports local events by participating in practically every key trade and tourism fair, such as the Chongqing International Cultural Industry Expo and the Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, where they presented a showcase of Philippine tourism, trade, and investment products.

Notably, they encouraged academic exchanges and partnerships during the September visit of a delegation of Philippine educational institutions headed by the national-level Commission on Higher Education to Chongqing universities and colleges.

"Throughout 2023, we worked closely with Philippine provinces and cities and potential partners in southwest China for meaningful collaboration at the local government level. At the same time, we remained engaged with various government agencies and business entities to demonstrate our commitment to sustaining the ties between the Philippines and southwest China, including Chongqing. We are eager to see the fruits of these relationships in the months and years ahead as our contribution to enhancing overall bilateral ties between the Philippines and China," said Consul General.

In 2024, Mayo outlined areas for deeper cooperation, including economic partnerships, cultural presentations, bilateral tourism flows, educational exchanges, and more vigorous cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, green energy, and sustainable development at the local and national levels.

"We also look forward to implementing more mutually beneficial programs this year tailored according to the priorities of Philippines-China relations," Mayo concluded.