The Xiamen Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs and the Fooking Merchant Benevolent Association from the Philippines signed a long-term cooperation mechanism on Aug 12, with the hope that the members of the two organizations will thrive by getting involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speaking at the cooperation agreement signing ceremony, Hong Chunfeng, vice president of the Xiamen federation, stressed the importance of boosting economic and trade exchanges among members of the two organizations. Hong also welcomed the association to continue to participate in the China International Fair for Investment & Trade, the annual trade fair held in Xiamen that promotes two-way investment.
The Xiamen Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs and the Fooking Merchant Benevolent Association from the Philippines signed a cooperative agreement in Xiamen on Aug 12. [Photo from Xfoce.com]
The Fooking Merchant Benevolent Association is based in Manila, the Philippines. It was founded in 1904 and now has 4,168 members in cities across the Philippines. Since its inception, the association has been dedicated to boosting communication and cooperation with the business community of Fujian businessmen in the Philippines, giving back to local society, and contributing to the economic and social development of China.
The association sent a delegation of more than 20 members to investigate the business environment in Xiamen as the city steps up its economic openness by establishing a free trade zone and promoting industrial transformation.
At the welcome party for the delegation on Aug 9, Zeng Zhilong, president of the Xiamen Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs, praised the association's profound history and growing influence in boosting economic and cultural exchanges between China and the Philippines.
Wang Chunzhi, who headed the delegation, said that they are looking forward to forging even deeper ties with Fujian, and welcomed the federation to visit the Philippines.
The welcome party for the visiting members of the Fooking Merchant Benevolent Association from the Philippines, organized by the Xiamen Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs, in Xiamen on Aug 9. [Photo from Xfoce.com]
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
