Zamboanga City seeks more trade links with China, Asean

NANNING, China – Zamboanga City is poised to deepen relationships with China and other Southeast Asian nations as the city showcases its culture, products and investment opportunities despite national maritime disputes.

Zamboanga City is ready to tell other countries in the region what it can offer and in the process, boost the economy of the city, said City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco at the sidelines of the 12th China-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Expo.

Climaco said this the best time to let China and other Asean member countries know of her city’s strengths.

“This is the third time that Zamboanga city is joining the CAExpo and this is the first time we are the city of charm. I expect more people to people agreements during the expo,” Climaco said.

“People to people relationships are very important and it is through the China-Asean Expo that we are given an opportunity… we hope that cities like us that are starting to build back better are given more opportunities and we also look at our Asean neighbors so that they will be the role models for us to build back better,” she added.

The cities of charm from China and different Asean member countries during the annual expo are given a designated booth in which the city would be able to exhibit its tourist spots, products, culture, and investment opportunities, among others. These booths are in a separate pavilion from the other country displays at the enormous expo hall here.

She said the advantage of Zamboanga is that it is close to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other parts of the region.

We also have our own ecozone (economic zone) and free port zone,” Climaco said.

“We have our sardines factories in Zamboanga city, we have affordable skilled labor, we are rich in culture, and we speak very good English,” she added.

The city is very thankful to be able to showcase its “charm” during the expo especially as it continues to recover from a conflict in the area back in 2013.

“The role of CAExpo is giving cities like Zamboanga city an opportunity to tell you that our city… that was once affected by an attack… is rich in products, and culture,” Climaco said.

She also pointed out that the ongoing maritime dispute between the Philippines and China over islands in the West Philippine Sea should not hinder both countries in exploring trade and investment opportunities.

“We must never allow our cultural links to get in the way of our ties with our countries and this has been cemented here in my visit to China. It is not being un-nationalistic but it is making our Asean roots be visible,” Climaco said.

Climaco was flocked by other city officials and some 70 entrepreneurs during her trip to China.

The signing of intent between Zamboanga city and the two Chinese cities will be happening at the sidelines of the 12th China-Asean Expo.

Sisterhood city agreements allow the participants increased activities in terms of trade, investments, and even trainings. These agreements also pave the way for sharing of culture and experiences between the cities for their own improvement and strengthening their economies.