SBMA seeking stronger trade relations with China

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for trade and tourism Stef Sano (right) accepted a souvenir item from Yu Xingnan (2nd from right) head of the delegation from Wu Zhong Economic Development Zone. Looking on are Grand Pillar International Development, Inc. Chairman Johnson Yang (left) and chief operating officer Josephine Chua which facilitated the visit of the Chinese delegates.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – This premier Freeport zone is pursuing to play a vital role to further strengthen the country’s trade relations over mainland China particularly in the fields of tourism, real estate development and business process outsourcing.

Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority recently welcomed Chinese delegates on trade and investment mission here led by top representatives of Wu Zhong Economic Development Zone, one of the most progressive and dynamic industrial estates in southern China.

“The visit of top Chinese business delegates shows that the RP-China trade relation remains strong,” SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said in a statement.

A presentation on the Subic investments was conducted by Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for trade and tourism Stef Sano, SDA for legal affairs Ramon Agregado and SBMA investment department head Kenneth Rementilla.

The visit was facilitated by Subic-based housing developer Grand Pillar International Development, Inc. Chairman Johnson Yang and chief operating officer Josephine Chua.

According to Yu Xingnan, head of the delegation, the Subic Freeport could be an ideal place for China firms engaged in BPO business with the availability of highly-skilled and English-proficient workers.

In recent years, Mr. Yu said that Wuzhong has introduced a number of renowned international service outsourcing companies.

Mr. Yu said that in the next few years, Wuzhong District will be actively engaged in IT development while it is also set to expand its tourism industry by developing the new South Suzhou Trade Circle and the Taihu Lake National Tourism Resort.

He added that the Subic Bay Freeport could be used as a transshipment hub for China-made products that are exported throughout the world because of its strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region

Arreza said that SBMA is also actively promoting Subic as an alternative retirement haven for foreigners including Chinese nationals.

Ms. Chua said that Subic is ready to accommodate the expected influx of foreign retirees from particularly from Japan , US, Australia , Canada and China .

“We are presently developing a large area in Subic purposely to accommodate the growing needs of retirement homes for foreigners,” Ms. Chua said.

Mr. Yu also said that WuZhong district and Subic could also be a partner in tourism related projects including the setting-up of direct chartered-flights to connect the two progressive economic zones.

Officials of the SBMA and the Chinese delegates are now working on the possibility of establishing a Sister City agreement between Subic Bay Freeport and WuZhong district.

The Chinese delegates include officials of Wu Zhong Economic Development Zone such as Li Yongquan, Shen Bin, Huang Wenwei, Zhou Zhifeng and Zhang Yanlong. Rey Garcia