The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) welcomed Consul General Zhang Zhen of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu on May 29, 2023. The courtesy visit was held at the Governor’s Office and was also attended by Assistant for the Consul General Ms. Mu Haixin and Consular Officer Mr. Jinpei Song.
Governor Aris Aumentado expressed his gratitude to the consulate and discussed possible partnerships in economics and commerce, agriculture, and tourism. He also proposed reinvigorating the sisterhood between Bohol and Jiangxi province in China, as Bohol has become one of the most preferred destinations among Chinese tourists in the Philippines.
Consul General Zhang Zhen presented various opportunities for boosting Bohol’s local economy through the advantages of visa-free travel for Chinese tourists, the improvement of infrastructure, strengthening security, and forging a better, more harmonious relationship with and understanding of Chinese culture. She also congratulated PGBh on the recent achievement of Bohol Island becoming one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) Head, Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus, and Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (BEDIPO) Head, Maria Fe Dominise also welcomed the Chinese consulate.
The visit is a positive development for Bohol, as it could lead to increased economic cooperation between the Philippines and China. It is also a sign of China’s growing interest in the Philippines, as the country is seen as a potential economic partner.
The PGBh is committed to working with the Chinese consulate to explore all possible opportunities for economic cooperation. The province is confident that this partnership will benefit both countries and help to further develop Bohol’s economy.