RP taps NE China as new export market

Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II said yesterday the government will tap North East China as a new export market for electronics, sporting goods, apparel and furniture.

Roxas also said the country is also planning to provide construction services to the region.

"A Philippine delegation sent to Liaoning Province in Nort East China reported that China has announced focused investments in high-tech manufacturing and information technology," Roxas said.

"This is a window of opportunity for our electronic parts and software development services, which are our major exports, since we can then further strengthen our international competitiveness and explore new markets," he added.

Aside from electronics, the delegation said, Liaoning is a promising market for sporting goods and apparel.

The delegation also informed Roxas that Philippine-made furniture and houseware exports could fill the demand in China following the expansion of residential and construction activity.

The group also said the country could also provide construction services for China’s booming infrastructure activity.

Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino led the Philippine delegation to Liaoning which also attended the 5th Asia Europe Economic Ministers Meeting (ASEM MM5) and the ASEM High-level Economic Forum.

The Asian Economic ministers met with European Union Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy who urged closer coordination of the ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda.