Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province – Deputy Consul General Marlowe A. Miranda, accompanied by Consular Attaché Ella Cecilia P. Acena, attended the Conference on Service for Expats in Jiangsu heldc at the Yidu Grand Hotel in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province on 12-13 October.

Organized by the Jiangsu Provincial Government to “promote cooperation and coordination” with foreign consular missions based in Shanghai, the Conference provided a comprehensive picture of the province’s policies relevant to foreigners. Key areas tackled included immigration, foreigner registration, employment opportunities especially in the education services sector, and consular assistance to foreigners involved in cases or violations.

Officials discussed various health and safety measures adopted by the province in response to COVID-19, which emphasized the ‘national treatment’ accorded to foreigners. Aside from vaccination and health services, officials also expounded on available avenues by which essential official, business or humanitarian travel could be facilitated in keeping with China’s current policies on international travel.

Participating diplomats were also briefed and given a brief tour highlighting the economic strengths of Yancheng City.

Provincial agencies involved in the program included the provincial Foreign Affairs Office (FAO), Education Department, and Public Security Department, as well as the Jiangsu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Addressing the Conference, DCG Miranda underscored the Consulate General’s robust cooperation with Jiangsu authorities in extending consular assistance and in looking after the welfare of the Filipino community in the province.

Jiangsu Province is home to a sizeable number of Filipinos, spread across various cities and localities. The Province is also economically important for Philippine engagement with China, being a major gateway for Philippine exports into the country. Jiangsu imported some US$ 3.4 billion worth of Philippine products in 2020. END