BUSINESSMEN from Chungqing City in China’s Sichuan province, the largest motorcycle manufacturing haven in China, are now exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines in several industries such as mining, automotive and shipbuilding.

Francis Chua, Philippine special investment envoy to China, told reporters that a 300-man delegation from Chungqing visited the Philippines last week to meet with key local business groups and government officials, including President Arroyo.

Immediately, Chua said they formed the Philippines-Chungqing Business Council to facilitate the investment plans of the Chinese businessmen.

Chua said among the projects that the delegates are looking at is the setting up of motorcycle manufacturing facilities in the country as an expansion of their facilities in Chungqing, which is currently the biggest manufacturing site of generic motorcycles in China.

He said President Arroyo proposed to them that they should consider locating this project in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where there is already a steady base of support industries servicing the requirements of the existing automotive manufacturers there for parts and components.

Chungqing businessmen, Chua added, are also going into the exploration of nickel and chromite in Palawan in tandem with the provincial government.

“The expert from China is already here and is coordinating with concerned government agencies like the DENR,” he said.

The Chungqing group, he said, is seeking opportunities in the tourism and education sectors as well.

He said they want to set up some meetings with the universities to work out some possible tie-ups, although there are no concrete details on this yet.

“They also proposed to build ships in the country because they are good in building luxury vessels,” Chua said.

The Philippine-Chungqing Business Council that was spearheaded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has already set as its first event the exhibition of Philippine fruits and marine products in Chungqing in November.

However, since the President is going to Shanghai in October, Chua said they are now considering moving the schedule of the exhibition a month earlier to coincide with Mrs. Arroyo’s visit.

BUSINESSMEN from Chungqing City in China’s Sichuan province, the largest motorcycle manufacturing haven in China, are now exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines in several industries such as mining, automotive and shipbuilding.

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