GOVPH

Chinese E-Jeepney project with Bacolod fast tracks iconic ride to clean fuel era

Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 25 April –  The iconic Philippine jeepney moved further up the road to modernization as Bacolod City prepares to welcome the prototype e-Jeepney developed by Korean-invested Chinese company Jiangsu Fengchuen New Energy Power Technology Co. Ltd. (Fengchuen). 

The e-Jeepney prototype was unveiled to Consul General in Shanghai Josel F. Ignacio, Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Shanghai Head Mario C. Tani and Assistant Ms. Sun Qian during their visit to Fengchuen’s Headquarters and assembly plant in Jiangyin, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, on April 25.

Receiving them were Fengchuen founder and Chairman Mr. LI Longde, Korean General Manager Mr. JEONG Hae-il, Vice President CAO Jun; COO Mr. Lang Zhehan, and other executives.

Prior to the factory floor visit, Chairman Li and GM Jeong provided a briefing on the company and the genesis of its e-Jeepney project with Bacolod City during the Presidential Visit to China in early January 2023. Work on the prototype was based on the outcomes of extensive consultations with the Bacolod City government on requirements and standards, and with jeepney operators on desired design and capacity specifications.

With the visiting Philippine officials and Fengchuen executives aboard, the 22-seater e-Jeepney was put through its paces at the factory’s test road, to showcase its power, stability, roadworthiness and standard features such as rapid A/C cooling and video monitors. Fengchuen also took great case to preserve key elements of the jeepney’s iconic look.

At the time of the Philippine officials’ visit, a prototype was seaborne to Bacolod City, for presentation to and evaluation by city government officials.

Also known as E-Future, Fengchuen is a Chinese “total solution provider” specializing in EV vehicles for logistics transport, and their lithium EV batteries. Big on R&D, Fengchuen undertakes its own product engineering and design for EV batteries and core electric vehicle elements such as power trains and electrical units. It is keen on other EV-related investments in the Philippines. END

Cebu Pacific calls on PCG as PH-China air links and passenger traffic recover

SHANGHAI –  High optimism over Chinese inbound tourism into the Philippines permeated discussions as officials of Cebu Pacific Airlines called on the Consulate General in Shanghai.

Touching base with Consul General Josel F. Ignacio and his team led by Consul John Francis S. Herrera and Tourism Attaché Ireneo H. Reyes were Head of Sales and Distribution for Greater China Mr. Ryan Chua, Shanghai Representative Office Sales Manager Ms. Kelly Tao, and General Sales Agent Mr. Bruce BIAN.

Mr. Chua reported on the ongoing recovery of Cebu Pacific’s regular and multiple connections to the Mainland since China re-opened its borders to normal travel in January this year. Chinese passenger numbers are rising, drawn by the Philippines’ multifaceted attractions. “The Philippines has much to offer and is not a single-dimension destination”, he observed.

Consul General Ignacio welcomed Cebu Pacific’s emphatic return to the Chinese market. “China occupies a crucial spot in Philippine tourism. The increase passenger seats means more inbound tourism and brings us closer to our goals”.

The two sides exchanged updates on topics crucial to meeting Chinese travel demand, which had been pent up during three years of COVID-19. Cebu Pacific also committed to support the Philippines’ tourism promotion drives in the Yangtze River Delta area. 

The Philippines is a preferred Southeast Asian destination for Chinese travelers. In 2018 and 2019, over 1.2 million and 1.7 million Chinese tourists, respectively, trooped to the Philippines. END

Golden Puyat Durian sweetens PH-China trade as Dole China’s first import arrives

Fengxian, Shanghai – Philippine officials led by Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz and Consul General in Shanghai Josel F. Ignacio joined Dole China General Manager Runner Yang in launching Dole’s “Golden Puyat” fresh Philippine Durians in the Chinese market with great fanfare on April 20.

The ceremony was held at the Shanghai Huizhan Fruit and Vegetable Market in coastal Fengxian District, about 40 kilometers from the city center. Earlier that morning, the shipment of Golden Puyat durians arrived by sea – the first marine shipment of the fruit since the Philippines began exporting two weeks prior.

The first shipments of fresh Philippine durian to China had all been transported by air from Davao on April 6 to Nanning in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Huizhan Market officials led by GM Xia Guohai, dealer Shanghai Wonong Import & Export Co., Ltd. GM Wang Jianjun, together with Dole China officials and partner-distributors graced the occasion.

Also in attendance for the Philippines were Agriculture Counsellor Ana GM B. Abejuela, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Shanghai Chief Mario C. Tani, Consul John Francis S. Herrera, Attaché Jennifer M. Ranches and PTIC Assistant Wang Yanxia.

“China is now the third largest export market for Philippine agricultural products”. announced Ambassador FlorCruz as he keynoted the event. “I, like our Philippine durian growers, am very happy to bring you the unique taste of delicious and juicy Philippine durian”.

GM Yang, for his part, expressed “full confidence” in the sales of fresh Philippine durian. “Golden Puyat durian will soon become the new choice for domestic durian lovers”.

Durian tasting for the excited audience concluded the proceedings.

The Dole China important is part of the first batch of fresh durians entering China since Chinese customs allowed their importation on January 7. A few days before, a bilateral agreement on the export of fresh durian to China was sealed during the Presidential visit of January 2023. END