by EJ Roque/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday said Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to provide assistance to the Philippines in order to boost its regional growth, particularly in Luzon and Mindanao.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Xi Jinping discussed how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would further help in the economic development of the Philippines.
“President Xi manifested that China will provide more resources to Luzon and Mindanao to spur regional economic growth, as well as promote Clark Green City through the building of an industrial park,” he said.
“President Xi committed to provide One Billion Yuan grant to the Philippines,” he added.
Panelo quoted Xi in saying the BRI would play an important role in the ASEAN-China relations, where the Philippines plays a role as country coordinator, and in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) through increased cooperation.
“We consider the BRI, as articulated by PRRD, as another opportunity to renew and reaffirm our valued relationship, which we must continue to foster in the coming years with an aspiration that our fellow Filipinos will feel the true benefits of the PH-China relation,” Panelo said.
Panelo said Xi gave a word that the first group of Filipino teachers may soon start teaching English in China.
“He also committed to continue donating rice and fingerlings and importing our local fruits,” he said.
Duterte is in China from April 25 to 27 for the BRI forum.
The President is with other world leaders and heads of international organizations in the forum “to discuss, among others, how to boost connectivity, further strengthen policy synergy and build closer partnerships, and promote green and sustainable development.”
