Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Raul S. Hernandez:
On the August 2011 visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to China
[Released on August 18, 2011]
Upon the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Benigno S. Aquino III will pay a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from August 30 to September 3, 2011.
The state visit is seen as strengthening the over three decades of friendship and mutually beneficial relations between the Philippines and China.
The President will be holding his first summit meeting with President Hu Jintao which is expected to raise the level of Philippines – China bilateral relations to its highest level.
The visit hopes to promote a people-centered partnership that will push for more trade, investment, media, culture, education and tourism exchanges between both sides.
The visit will also showcase the Philippines as an attractive and profitable business destination.
Among the highlights of the visit would be the focus on enhancing the Joint Action Plan on Strategic Cooperation signed on October 29, 2009 and the signing of the Philippines – China Five-Year Development Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation.
A large Philippine business delegation will accompany the President to look into enhancing reciprocal investment, trade and tourism opportunities.
The Philippines and China will be organizing business fora in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen for this purpose.
