Province of Capiz Pitches Opportunities in Agro-Fishery, Digital Sectors in Shanghai, Ningbo Visits

Capiz Governor Castro being received by the Ningbo Government represented by Vice Mayor Li. With the Governor were Consul General Ignacio, Commercial Consul Peñaranda, Liwayway’s Mr. Carlos Chan and Mr. Larry Chan, and provincial officials. (Shanghai PCG photo)

SHANGHAI 05 December 2023 – The Capiz Government is looking at partnerships with Chinese investors to boost its agricultural and fisheries industry, as well as its drive to develop its emerging manufacturing and ICT/BPO sectors. Governor Fredenil H. Castro led a delegation of 19 Provincial Government officials and 13 businessmen on a four-day visit to Shanghai and the port city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province on 14 to 18 November 2023.

Backing the drive was the Liwayway Group, led by no less than its Chairman Emeritus Mr. Carlos Chan, and Liwayway (China) Co. Ltd. President Larry A. Chan.

In Shanghai, the Capiz delegation toured the Qingpu District headquarters and factory of Liwayway China, whose Oishi/Shanghaojia mark is arguably the Philippines’ most well-known brand in China.

In Ningbo, the delegation was taken on visits to industrial farms and economic development zones to examine best practices and explore partnership opportunities with Chinese companies.

A highlight was a call on the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government represented by Vice Mayor LI Guanding, followed by a dinner hosted by the latter. Accompanying the delegation from the Consulate General were Consul General Josel F. Ignacio, Consul John Francis S. Herrera, Commercial Consul Glenn G. Peñaranda, and Cultural Officer Jeannie F. Petrola.

The Vice Mayor outlined Ningbo’s economic strengths as one of the world’s top three ports in cargo tonnage and throughput, and a leading municipal player in overall Chinese trade and investments. The city’s “go global” prescription for its companies and complementarities with the Philippines were highlighted as dovetailing with Capiz’s drive to seek foreign stakes and technology.

The port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is the world’s third busiest port after Shanghai and Singapore in terms of container traffic, with about 34 million TEUs. It is first in terms of throughput/cargo tonnage, at 1.26 billion tons.

Ningbo’s share in Philippines-China trade is significant, amounting to around USD 1.3 billion. Its parent province, Zhejiang, ranks third in trade with the Philippines, after Guangdong and Fujian. Around 19 Ningbo companies have existing investments in the Philippines.

Capiz, meanwhile, is one of the Philippines’ major agro-fisheries center. It is also in an ongoing drive to develop itself as a preferred countryside location for BPOs, digital jobs and the global online economy. END

For more information, visit http://shanghaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/.