12 December 2016, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai led by the Honorable Consul General Wilfredo R. Cuyugan visited the archipelago city of Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province from 08 to 11 December 2016 with the aim of further expanding bilateral ties between the Philippines and the city. Zhoushan is one of the largest archipelagos situated in southeast China in the vastly developing Zhejiang Province. The official visit was a follow up trip from the participation of the Philippines in the 2nd International Islands Tourism Conference held in Zhoushan in September of this year where the Philippine pavilion was one of the most visited booths.
The Philippine delegation met with local Zhoushan government officials led by Vice Mayor Xu Xiao Yue and Deputy Secretary General Zhou Kailong. Present in the discussions were also ranking officials from the foreign affairs, education and tourism bureaus. Vice Mayor Xu expressed gratitude for the visit and promised the city’s cooperation in the various programs and activities that the Consulate proposes. He informed the delegation that Zhoushan City, being one of the most progressive cities in China, has been selected by the National Government as one of the “New Districts” that forms part of the national strategy for development of local destinations. Zhoushan City, Vice Mayor Xu also said, is one of the most beautiful National Tourist Spots in China drawing in close to 27 million tourists, both domestic and international, per year.
Consul General Cuyugan also expressed thanks for the warm welcome the local government officials have extended to the delegation. He also expressed enthusiasm for the programs and activities that would further enhance relations between the Philippines and Zhoushan especially in tourism cooperation, economic partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, sister city partnerships, and educational cooperation, all of which are encouraged by both countries as contained in the Joint Statement signed during the State Visit of President Duterte to China in October this year.
The delegation then visited Zhoushan Tourism and Health College and was welcomed by its President, Zheng Nengbo and other high ranking officials. The Consul General and President Zheng have discussed the potential linkages of the school with Philippine colleges next year especially in the areas of faculty and student exchanges, research capacity training and curriculum development.
At the Shingwa Seaside Hotel, the Consulate team also provided consular assistance to Filipinos living in Zhoushan and the surrounding areas where the Filipinos availed of various consular services such as authentication of documents and applications for Special Power of Attorney. The Filipinos also registered for the 2019 Overseas Voting for National Elections.
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