GMA wants a consulate in Shanghai

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is fast-tracking the opening of a regular consulate in Shanghai as decided by President Arroyo in time for her visit to China to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this month.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin said yesterday that the putting up of a consulate in Shanghai is a presidential decision that needed the approval of the Chinese government.

The APEC Summit is scheduled in Shanghai on Oct. 20 to 21. The President will have a state visit in Beijing on Oct. 28.

Ebdalin, undersecretary for administration, said the DFA’s orginal plan was to open an honorary consulate but the President wanted a regular consulate in Shanghai, an economic ‘hub’.

The DFA planned to transfer the consulate in Guangzhou to Shanghai but trade officials opposed the plan because the said consulate has been generating trade for the Philippines.

The DFA is taking into consideration return of investments in putting up a consulate in Shanghai.

"It will generate trade and tourism. My understanding is it will eventually pay off," Ebdalin said.

The Philippine government has a consulate in Xiamen and Hong Kong and an embassy in Beijing, China. — Pia Lee-Brago