SHANGHAI, 24 March – DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo visited Shanghai and Tongxiang in Zhejiang Province, on 21-22 March, for meetings with the Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Company Limited (ZHC) on the latter’s exploration of opportunities in the Philippine nickel sector.

Consul General Josel F. Ignacio hosted a lunch for the visiting BOI Chief and Zhejiang Huayou executives Zhong Renhong and Liu Jinzheng at the Parkyard Hotel in Pudong on 21 March. Also present were Consul John Francis S. Herrera, Philippine Trade and Investment Center Chief Mario C. Tani and Assistant Ms. Forrina Sun.

Both sides agreed that, with the high global demand for nickel for lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries, the time is ripe for the Philippine nickel industry to move up the nickel value chain and develop domestic processing capabilities. Such a move is in keeping with the government’s goal of producing higher-value exports while lessening resource-based exports. In the case of nickel, attaining this would require substantial investments, hence the exploration of partnerships with companies such as Zhejiang Huayou.

After the lunch, Usec. Rodolfo, Commercial Vice Consul Tani, and Ms. Sun travelled to Tongxiang with the Zhejiang Huayou officials for further talks and a call on company founder and Chairman Chen Xuehua. END