23 October 2015 - The Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (FOCAO) and Jiangxi Provincial FOCAO co-organized a Familiarization Tour of the Jiangxi Province for the Diplomatic Corps and business community from Fujian Province from September 16 to 19.

The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen was represented by Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores, who was joined by Information and Economic Officer, Mr. Jose Rey B. Madrilejos, Philippine Airlines (PAL)-Xiamen Area Manager Mr. Joel Tiong, and Davies Paint-Xiamen General Manager Ms. Jane See. Singapore was represented by its Consul General to Xiamen Chi Chiew Sum while Thailand was represented by its Deputy Consul General Mongkul Sinsomboon who were both accompanied by their business delegation.

The visiting delegation met with Jiangxi Government and Communist Party officials and were briefed on the historical, cultural as well as economic and trade aspects of Jiangxi Province. Jiangxi Vice Governor Xie specially mentioned in her message the Jiangxi-Bohol Sister Province partnership that brought about significant cultural and academic exchanges, including the visit to the Philippines by a Jiangxi acrobatic group and expert porcelain makers, among others.

Consul General Flores, being the most senior diplomat in Fujian province made the opening statement for the Fujian delegation by thanking the provincial, municipal and Communist Party officials for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the visiting delegation. He also noted the impressive development plans of the three cities (Nanchang, Pixiang and Yichun) that would make them and the whole province economically competitive with other Chinese localities.

He assured the Jiangxi officials that the Consulate General will continue to further and nurture relations between the Philippines and Jiangxi Province, including inviting Philippine companies to consider investing in Jiangxi. He also extended the invitation for the provincial leaders to visit the Philippines and meet with their counterparts and Filipino businessmen.

Aside from the meetings, the group also toured various economic and development zones, and tourist destinations in Jiangxi province.

The Consulate General team also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Filipino community in Nanchang City, mostly teachers and musicians, who were assured of the Consulate General’s support and assistance. END