MANILA, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- China is a major market and a key trade partner for the Philippines and other ASEAN countries, and we need to fully tap into its opportunities, said Cristina Roque, secretary of the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry, in a recent interview with Xinhua.
Recently, a consultation between China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and ASEAN economic ministers was also held in Manila. Both sides agreed to build on existing achievements to advance economic integration, promote inclusive growth, further strengthen trade and investment ties, and jointly foster the region's prosperity and development.
When commenting on years of conversations, negotiations and work of building trust between China and ASEAN, Roque quoted a well-known saying attributed to the ancient philosopher Laozi from China's Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," adding that "ASEAN and China have indeed taken many steps together."
Roque said she looks forward to the entry into force of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, and expects it to strengthen supply chain connectivity between ASEAN and China and unlock new opportunities in emerging areas such as the digital economy and green economy.
China and ASEAN have been each other's largest trading partner for six successive years, with the bilateral trade value exceeding 1 trillion U.S. dollars for the first time last year, according to MOC data.
Roque said figures matter not simply because they are large, but "behind them are farmers bringing goods to new markets, factories sourcing the parts they need, entrepreneurs reaching customers online, and families whose livelihoods depend on trade remaining open and predictable."
She noted that pressure on energy and commodity markets and disruptions to supply chains are affecting businesses and households, with businesses facing higher fuel and shipping costs and families paying higher prices in daily necessities, including transport, electricity and food.
"ASEAN and China cannot prevent every disruption, but through close cooperation, we can strengthen our ability to respond, adjust, and move forward," said Roque.
In September, Roque attended the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
"The expo was important for the Philippines and other ASEAN countries to showcase products, match with buyers from all over the world, and seek digital and e-commerce solutions from Chinese partners," she said.
Roque also mentioned the Pinglu Canal, which opened on Sept. 16, giving China's landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, particularly those in ASEAN. She believes it will make cargo flow more convenient and efficient, prompting enterprises to take proactive steps and thereby driving development. ■
