-
Private sector groups in the Philippines issued a joint appeal for both Filipino and Chinese officials to give priority to the two countries’ “deeply interconnected” economic and trade relations
-
The 23 groups include business, labor, farmers, overseas Filipino workers, youth, economists, and the academe
-
Their joint statement noted that China and its special administrative region Hong Kong are the Philippines’ largest trading partner, for both export and import
-
They also urged the Philippine government to pursue “strategic diversification” in the global market and strengthen local industries
Private sector groups in the Philippines – including business, labor, farmers, overseas Filipino workers, youth, economists, and the academe – issued a joint appeal for both Filipino and Chinese officials to give priority to the two countries’ “deeply interconnected” economic and trade relations as diplomatic tensions rise due to verbal tirades over the maritime dispute.
“Amid global uncertainties, we urge measured diplomacy that advances Philippine interests. All parties should avoid inflammatory rhetoric, public recriminations, and social media exchanges that could further strain bilateral relations,” the 23 groups said in a joint statement following exchanges between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Philippine government officials.
“Diplomacy is best pursued through established channels, coordinated institutions, informed dialogue, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of national interests,” they said, stressing that the Philippines “needs a foreign policy that is principled yet pragmatic, resolute yet diplomatic, and anchored in protecting sovereignty, economic security, and long-term development.”
It noted that China and its special administrative region Hong Kong are the Philippines’ largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 26.3% of exports and up to 29.5% of imports in recent years. On the other hand, the Philippines represents less than 1% of China’s total global trade.
The groups cited that beyond trade, the two countries are closely interlinked in various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, retail, energy, electric vehicles, and solar panels, among others.
The Philippines also benefits from employment opportunities and the consequential remittances from overseas Filipino workers in China, Hong Kong and Macao.
“Whatever our political differences or maritime disputes, constructive diplomacy and stable economic relations are essential to protecting livelihoods, maintaining investor confidence, controlling costs, accelerating clean-energy adoption, and sustaining development,” reads part of the statement.
Pursue strategic diversification
At the same time, the groups urged the government to pursue “strategic diversification” in the global market and strengthen local industries.
READ: PH trade deficit widens to $5.15B in September
“The Philippines should also attract a greater share of regional tourism, investment, business travel, and commercial opportunities through a competitive, welcoming, and predictable environment. Amid geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, energy transitions, and competition for investment, we should avoid tensions that undermine confidence or limit cooperation,” the groups said.
The statement puts up six specific requests, covering diplomacy and responsible communication as well as a focus on economic relations that ultimately benefit the people.
“Both governments should pursue market access, resilient supply chains, technology transfer, local production, clean energy generation, and productive investment, the principles of business and human rights, farmers, fisherfolks, manufacturers, exporters, workers, consumers and communities,” they said.
The signatory groups are: Asian Association of Academic Administrators and Educators Inc.; Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines; Employers Confederation of the Philippines; Foundation for Economic Freedom; Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; National President Federation of Free Workers; Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc.; Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines; GS1 Philippines; OFW Foundation; Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association; Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors; Philippine Association of Salt Industry Networks Inc.; Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc.; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.; Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc.; Philippine Franchise Association; Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc.; Philippine Retailers Association; Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association; Semiconductor and Electronic Industries in the Philippines, Inc.; and Women’s Business Council Philippines.
