Hong Kong sets business missions to PHL

MANILA—Delegates from Hong Kong’s public and private sectors have set business missions to the Philippines in the first semester of the year, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (HKCCPI) President Anthony Chan has said.

In an interview, Chan said an economist from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will visit the country on Feb. 13-17 to meet with Hong Kong businessmen in the Philippines.

He added that the representative of HKTDC will meet with the HKCCPI to get updates on the development of the Filipino-Chinese business community in the country, industry feedback, and market sentiments in the Philippines.

On April 5-8, a 10- to 20-member delegation from various industries in Hong Kong will visit Manila for company visits, business matching, and networking activities.

Chan mentioned that HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong will make her debut visit to the Philippines on May 10-12 to understand the economic development and business environment in the Philippines.

Fong will also lead a delegation related to the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

Earlier, the HKCCPI chief said the 14th Asia Forum of Hong Kong Business Associations will be held in Manila in June.

This will be the first time for the country to host the Asia Forum.

Moreover, Chan said Hong Kong businessmen have renewed their interest in the Philippines after the country was removed from the tourism blacklist of Hong Kong, following the Manila hostage crisis in August 2010, in which the victims were tourists from Hong Kong.

He added that Hong Kong investors have more confidence in the country, as President Rodrigo Duterte has strengthened ties with the Chinese market and also ensured security and protection for businesses.