Remarks by Amb. Huang Xilian At the CEPA and Ilocos Norte Investment Conference

（Nov. 29  9:30）

Honorable Governor of the Province of Ilocos Norte Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc,

Honorable Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona,

Honorable Assistant Secretary Kristine Y. Evangelista,

Dear friends from Chinese Enterprises,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

It’s my great honor to attend the Chinese Enterprises Philippine Association and Ilocos Norte Investment Conference. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I’d like to extend my warm welcome to all the guests both on site and online, and my sincere congratulations to the Ilocos Norte Province and CEPA.

Last month, the 20th National Congress of CPC was successfully concluded. It draws a blueprint of the China’s future development and establishes a central task of advancing China’s rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. President Xi Jinping noted that China will stay committed to peaceful, open and win-win development, participate in and contribute to global development, and pursue common development with countries across the world. We believe that China’s new development will bring extensive opportunities to the international communities including the Philippines, needless to say, our practical cooperation will embrace great prospect.

Not long ago, President Xi met President Marcos Jr. in Bangkok. They settled the direction for future China-Philippine relations. Our two sides also identified agriculture, infrastructure, energy and people-to-people exchanges as four priority areas of cooperation. China is ready to work with the Philippine side to fulfill consensus between our leaders, cultivate cooperative highlights, improve cooperative quality, continuously deepen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Build Better More program so as to facilitate the Philippines’ modernization progress.

I have visited the Ilocos Norte province before. It boasts beautiful scenery, sincere and honest people, and unique resources. I was impressed by its tremendous potentials. I believe that this conference will enhance the Chinese enterprises’ understanding of Ilocos Norte province, and guide and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in the Ilocos Norte province and the Philippines.

Looking ahead, China is willing to work with the Philippine side to strengthen our ties as close neighbors, good relatives and friendly partners, deepen our cooperation with local governments, explore investment opportunities, enhance trade and economic exchanges and bring more tangible benefits to our people.

Thanks!