Co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Undersecretary for International and Economic Relations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS), the seminar of Chinese and Philippine local government leaders was held in Manila from November 13 to 14, 2015. 

The theme of the seminar is “Sustainable Communities: Developing Dialogues for Local Governance”. Madame Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Zhan Wangmin, Vice Mayor of Huanggang in Hubei Province, Ms. Liu Ruiying, Mayor of Dexing in Jiangxi Province, Mr. Ding Feng, Vice Mayor of Jinjiang of Fujian Province, Mr. Wu Dongsheng, Vice Mayor of Tianhe District of Guangzhou attended the seminar together with around 50 delegates from DFA, social organizations, and eight Philippine cities including Tarlac, Quezon, Coron, etc.

Madame Lin Yi Delivering a Speech

Vice President Lin Yi said in her opening remarks that city diplomacy is gaining special momentum in today’s world, constituting an important part of relations among countries.  This seminar is the first national-level bilateral activities on Chinese and ASEAN local governments, which will set up a good example and create favorable atmosphere for the coming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Manila.

Mr. Kalaw Delivering a Speech

Mr. Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr., CESO I, President of DAP said that during the process of urbanization, cities are facing common challenges in economic growth, environmental protection and social demand. The solutions should go beyond national election and budget, attaining the goal of being comprehensive and sustainable. This seminar provides a people-to-people channel for exchanges between local government leaders and will promote mutual learning and the reaching of relevant consensus.  At the same time, the seminar will also attract the attention of APEC meetings this year and next year.

Madame Laura Rosario Delivering a Speech

Madame Laura Q. Del Rosario, Undersecretary of DFA invited both delegates from China and the Philippines attended her welcoming dinner for the China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting.  In her speech, she welcomed the delegates from CPAFFC and Chinese local governments, saying the seminar will further enhance cooperation in various fields between local governments in the two countries.
During the seminar, Chinese and Philippine delegates gave introduction on the features and industrial advantages of respective cities. They also exchanges ideas on issues of mutual concern.