China eyes Tagum City as culture and commerce center
By Mai Gevera
Tagum City (18 November) -- The Chinese government sees Tagum City as a vibrant partner for an exchange of culture and commerce.
Secretary of the Consul General from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China Wu Chian Hua visited the city to establish friendship ties with the bustling center of Davao Region, the city of Tagum.
"Tagum gives us good memories and we are looking into various areas of trade here," said the Chinese official.
City mayor Rey T. Uy, on the other hand, claimed that Chinese businessmen keep eyeing the city for commerce considering that it is the liveliest centerpoint of neighboring provinces like Davao del Norte Province, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley; and it's the nearest city next to Davao.
The latest investment of a Chinese group is the 168 mall, an establishment that houses cheap goods from China as well as more spaces for local investors to sell their local products.
The 168 mall started its name in Metro Manila, and later on expanded a branch in Davao, until it finally opened in Tagum City.
There are about 20 Chinese investments in the city, mostly general merchandise in nature and the local government further opens its door for more foreign investments.
Tagum also joins in the celebration of the 35th bilateral agreement anniversary between the Philippines and China.
"Over the past 35 years, the friendship between our two countries has been continuously growing together. We witnessed in the past 35 years political trust continued to be enhanced, trade increased by a huge margin, economic cooperation expanded in various fields, cultural exchanges were significantly enriched," said Hua.
Hua represented Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao during the celebration. A photo exhibition was also brought in the city. It depicts many great moments of amity and sincerity in the past 35 years of the China-Philippines relations. (PIA-XI) [top]
