Consul Demdem (R) and Commercial Vice Consul Tani (L) with Shanghai FAO DDG FU Jihong
Shanghai, 11 June 2021 – Seeking to engage local government leaders and explore possible business opportunities, the Consulate General, represented by Economic Officer Consul Conrado B. Demdem, Jr. and Commercial Vice Consul Mario Tani, joined diplomats from other Consulates General at the 2021 Changning International Investment Promotion Meeting at the Shanghai Art Collection Museum on 10 June.
Organized by the Shanghai Changning District People’s Government, the event witnessed the attendance of various foreign business chambers and local entrepreneurs, as well as government officials led by Changning District Party Secretary Ms. WANG Lan, Acting Changning Mayor Mr. ZHANG Wei, and Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) Deputy Director General Mr. FU Jihong.
Acting Changning Mayor ZHANG described Changning District as “a hot spot for investment and business” that is host to more than 6,600 foreign-funded enterprises and 73 regional headquarters of multinational corporations. Laying emphasis on the district’s welcoming and open atmosphere, the Mayor proudly underscored its stature as home to about half of Shanghai’s diplomatic residences, a third of consular offices, and one-fifth of the city’s expatriate population.
Changning District Party Secretary Ms. WANG Lan, for her part, cited the District’s openness, inclusiveness, and innovative drive as key factors that have turned it into “one of the most internationalized districts in Shanghai.”
In brief discussions after the meeting, Consul Demdem congratulated FAO DDG Fu on the achievements of the Shanghai and Changning District governments, and affirmed the Philippines’ keen interest to help link the District with Philippine businesses eager to explore opportunities.
Both the Philippine Consulate General and the Shanghai branch of Metrobank are themselves in Changning District.
Situated in the west of downtown Shanghai with an area of 37.19 kilometers, Changning District has a population of close to 580,000 people, the District is reputed for its sophisticated business environment built around a modern service industry, a burgeoning digital economy, and green spaces. It has gained prominence in the national development strategy via the Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone and the annual hosting of the China International Import Expo, in support of China’s opening up and reform. END
