RP products to benefit from China-Asean trade initiative

Guangxi, China – House Speaker Prospero Nograles said yesterday that the Philippines will definitely benefit from China’s efforts to construct a free trade area next year through President Arroyo’s “One Product, One Province” policy.

Following the opening of the 6th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Nograles said the trade fair for the last six years has been giving Filipinos a great chance to present the country’s products to Southeast Asian nations and the world.

“There will be so much opportunity. Products will come in and out with less hassle,” he told reporters here in an interview after meeting with Guangxi Governor Ma Baiao, Chinese Vice Premiere Li Kequiang, and other ranking officials of China.

Although joining the China-ASEAN Expo is a private initiative of Filipino and Filipino-Chinese businessmen, Nograles said the activity allows Philippine products to be showcased along with that of other countries.

Hapee toothpaste, for example, has joined this year’s trade fair in an attempt to penetrate the China market which is dominated by other foreign brands.

“We’re wishing them luck,” Nograles said as he expressed hope that next year’s opening of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) will give the Philippines more opportunities to export Davao’s bananas, Bukidnon’s pineapples, and other products like dried mangoes, pili nuts, and the likes.

Over the years, Nograles said Philippine booths for the China ASEAN Expo have grown bigger as Filipinos realize that the event provides the best venue to explore new markets for Philippine products.

Nograles said he is congratulating China for being able to host grand international events which no other ASEAN country can match.