
The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen reports that the city government of Xiamen held its 2017 New Year Briefing for the Xiamen Consular Corps on 16 January 2017 at the C&D Hotel Xiamen. Mr. Han Jingyi, the new Vice Mayor, conducted the briefing which was attended by the Consuls General and their respective officers and staff from the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, officials from Xiamen Municipal Government Office and Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (FOCAO), led by Director General Li Xiaoping.
Vice Mayor Han presented the accomplishments of Xiamen City in 2016, pointing out that most of the goals/targets in the previous year were achieved, largely driven by political and economic reforms, socio-economic, infrastructure development projects and information technology under the 5-Year Plan for 2016-2020.
A future work plan for 2017 was also laid down with GDP set at 8.6% to achieve, fix asset investments at 16% and gross revenue at 7.5%. The Xiamen Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is expected to promote improved innovative measures to encourage a business-friendly customs and trade policies. Other sectors of Xiamen’s economic growth will also play vital roles in environment protection, high end manufacturing industries, implementation on air-water soil pollution, public education, medical care services, more subsidized housing for a better living conditions and cleaner air quality.
Vice Mayor Han also announced that preparations by the Xiamen City government’s hosting for the upcoming 9th BRICS Summit which is scheduled in September 2017 was also discussed. Four observer-countries have been invited to participate in the BRICS Summit, including the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair.
Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores commended the Xiamen City government for its unwavering support and cooperation in the accomplishment of the work of the three Consulates General as well as the implementation of Consulate General’s mandate to enhance bilateral relations covering various thrusts in 2016.
Furthermore, Consul General Flores reported that preparations are being undertaken for the staging of the Philippine-Fujian Week in Manila in early 2017 and conveyed the invitation to the City Government to attend and participate in the event. Lastly, he informed about the Philippines Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017 with its launching in Davao City, its theme and priorities. END