RP features medical tourism at 6th China-ASEAN expo

Guangxi, China , Philippines  – Beauty, wellness and other aspects of medical tourism were promoted at the Philippine booth at the 6th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China which ended yesterday.

Video presentations about the best places to visit in the Philippines not only showcased scenic spots but also featured cosmetic surgery as a service that tourists can enjoy if they visit the country.

“Discover true wellness” promoted not just cosmetic and beautification clinics but also spa and massage services, enticing visitors to experience relaxation and pampering that the country can offer. 

House Speaker Prospero Nograles, who attended the expo, said the trade fair is expected to bring great opportunities for Filipino businessmen who are hoping to expand their market to China and other Southeast Asian countries.

Among the participants were the Calayan and Belo cosmetic surgery and beautification clinics, Lamoiyan Corp. which produces Hapee toothpaste, Kalinga Brew which is promoting coffee, Team Asia which is introducing refined coconut oil to the world, and First Vita Plus which is into natural food supplement.

Aside from the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the annual activity.

This year’s Expo was seen as an important opportunity to strengthen communication and consultation on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) which will be realized by Jan. 1, 2010.

It is the first free trade area agreement signed by China that would provide zero tariff on 90 percent of products traded between China and ASEAN, and other favorable policies on trade and investment.

“China and ASEAN share strong historical trading ties, and strengthening trade and economic cooperation with China is important for ASEAN,” said ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, adding that as “China grows, ASEAN grows.” Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said the CAFTA is a significant milestone in regional economic cooperation that marks a new stage in trade ties between China and ASEAN.

Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming said the Expo serves as a platform to make enterprises and people from both sides benefit from the facilitation of trade and investment.

Guangxi Governor Ma Biao said his province is willing to make greater contributions to China-ASEAN cooperation through the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone and promoting the Pan Beibu Gulf economic cooperation.