GOVPH

PCG, Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association discuss raising profile of PH-Shanghai ties

Shanghai - The visibility of ties between the Philippines and Shanghai will be high on the agenda of the Philippine Consulate General’s collaboration with the Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association (SPDA) in the coming months.

This was the gist of informal discussions on September 08 between Philippine Consul General Josel F. Ignacio and Mr. ZHOU Hanmin, President of Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association and Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The SPDA Chief, accompanied by CPPCC-Shanghai Committee for Friendship with Foreign Countries Chair LI Wenhui received Consul General Ignacio and Consul John Francis S. Herrera on an audience prior to the Association’s Second “We ART Friends” cultural exchange activity held aboard the Yuexing No. 6 Pujiang River Cruise Ship.

Recalling his visit to Manila two decades ago, Mr. ZHOU expressed congratulations on the Philippines’ development and welcomed the good prospects of ties between the Philippines and China.

Consul General Ignacio articulated the PCG’s desire to raise the Philippines’ profile via its products, crafts, culture and people, in Shanghai. He raised next year’s 40^th anniversary of sister city relations between Metro Manila and Shanghai as providing propitious backdrop and impetus for cooperative activities with the SPDA. Chair Zhou welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to engage in further discussions.

Held on the eve of China’s observance of the Mid-Autumn holidays and in tandem with the SPDA’s diplomatic “Moon Watching Party”, the Second “We ART Friends” featured talks on Chinese paintings, a live performance by renowned Erhu artist Ma Xiaohui, and an introduction on the folk culture of the Mid-Autumn Festival. END

PCG, PTIC-Shanghai aim for inroads in Anhui Food and Agri Products Market

Wuhu City, Anhui – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Shanghai wrapped up a first foray into Wuhu City in Anhui Province in a bid to make inroads for PH food products for one of China’s fastest growing markets.

Consul John Francis S. Herrera and PTIC Chief Mario C. Tani attended the East China Importers Entering Anhui Province Event on 1-2 September and met with officials of the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products (CFNA), as well as enterprise representatives.

PCG and PTIC made a strong pitch for the Philippines’ frozen fruits, vegetables and food products with the area’s import and export enterprises. The Philippine team invited them to visit the Philippine Pavilion at the forthcoming 5^th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November to sample the quality and variety of Philippine offerings, as well as to undertake a business mission to the Philippines.

The CFNA manifested its desire to see more Philippine products in local markets, and offered its enthusiastic support for the Philippines’ exhibit at the CIIE.

Receiving Consul Herrera and PTIC Chief Tani was CFNA President Mr. CAO Derong, supported by Deputy SecGen Mr. OU Meng, CFNA Director of Information, Membership and Liaison Department Mr. ZHOU Wen. Also present were EFOODLINE Chairperson and Rotating Chairperson of East China Importer Cooperation Alliance Mr. XIA Yang, Anhui Department of Commerce Foreign Trade Management Division Deputy Director Mr. XU Yehua, Shanghai Changsheng Industrial Development Co., Ltd. GM Ms. LIU Yanli and Shanghai Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. Chairman Mr. ZHENG Hongzhu. END

OWWA Food Voucher distribution resumes at PCG for Filipinos affected by Shanghai lockdown

Shanghai, 4 September – The distribution of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) food vouchers to Filipinos affected by the Shanghai lockdown resumed at the Philippine Consulate General resumed on 2 September.

OWWA members who registered for voucher assistance and whose membership have been verified by OWWA are eligible to receive vouchers worth RMB 1,334 (USD 200).

On 14-18 June, the PCG undertook the first round of voucher distribution, covering OWWA 500 Members. The current round, meanwhile, stands to supply vouchers to all remaining registered OWWA Member-beneficiaries, under replenishment arrangements coordinated by PCG and OWWA.

In parallel, PCG continues to distribute RMB 700 vouchers to non-OWWA Members, under Welfare Assistance extended by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The vouchers form part of Philippine Government assistance recommended and implemented by the PCG. In May, at the height of the lockdown, the PCG distributed emergency food packs worth RMB 700 each to 535 locked down Filipinos.

"It is our hope that the vouchers will help our kababayans as they bounce back from the lockdown and into normalcy. The PCG thanks OWWA for its strong support”, said Consul General Josel F. Ignacio, who joined PCG colleagues in welcoming and assisting recipients. END