Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Dr. Cecilio Pedro is inviting foreign investors and business leaders worldwide to come to the Philippines and explore investment opportunities.
Pedro, in a news briefing Makati Shangri-la Hotel on Feb. 29, 2024, made the call as he announced the activities leading to the 70th anniversary celebration of FFCCCII on March 9, 2024. He said that as of Feb. 19, 14 foreign business delegations already confirmed attendance to visit the Philippines such as those from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Australia, Macau, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Japan and Thailand.
Pedro said FFCCCII, the umbrella federation of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce and diverse industry associations, is optimistic about Philippine economic growth despite global uncertainties like recessions in some industrialized countries and geopolitical tension in Ukraine and the Middle East.
He called for continued national unity, stability and socio-economic reforms in the Philippines to boost sustainable and inclusive economic growth. He also expressed hope for continued peace and renewed focus on economic development in Asia.
“In celebration of resilience and unity, the FFCCCII is poised to commemorate its 70th anniversary this March, affirming our unwavering commitment to propelling the sustainable and inclusive economic growth of the Philippines,” he said.
He said FFCCCII invited foreign business leaders and industrialists from across the Asia Pacific region to deepen their engagement by investing in the Philippines. “Our invitations encompass our ASEAN neighbors like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia—and our significant biggest trade partners, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and more,” he said.
He said that over the past seven decades, FFCCCII has been at the forefront of catalyzing foreign investments and promoting international trade, technological cooperation and partnerships for the benefit of the Philippine economy.
“In the face of economic challenges plaguing global powerhouses such as Japan, Britain, and Germany now in recession, and amid persisting international economic uncertainties, the FFCCCII remains steadfast in our optimism for the robust economic growth of the Philippines in 2024. This optimism is anchored in national unity, focus on sustained socio-economic reforms, and maintaining social and political stability,” he said.
“Under the theme ‘Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy’ (Chinese by blood, Filipino at heart), our 70th-anniversary celebration encapsulates the essence of our shared identity. We express profound gratitude for the acceptance of our ethnic Chinese minority and our cultural traditions, including the Chinese New Year, as integral components of the rich diversity of Filipino national culture,” Pedro said.
FFCCCII is the largest nationwide federation of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce and diverse industry associations from Aparri to Tawi Tawi.
Pedro said that beyond economic pursuits, the federation passionately champions progressive socio-economic development, civic initiatives and philanthropy.
He said these include notable endeavors like the “Buy Pinoy” movement which advocates patronizing Philippine-made products, promoting national industrialization and the modernization of agriculture and aquaculture for Philippine food security and rural development.
“Our conviction lies in the belief that the true strength of our country requires a robust, self-reliant, and globally competitive economy,” he said.
“Motivated by the Confucian tradition of philanthropy and , compassion for our fellow countrymen, FFCCCII’s many different initiatives include providing relief aid for calamity victims funding and donating 6,200 rural public school buildings under the nationwide ‘Operation Barrio Schools’ project, conducting regular free medical and dental missions in disadvantaged communities, and supporting the nationwide network of Filipino Chinese volunteer fire brigades which extend assistance to all fire and disaster victims regardless of race or socio-economic background,” he said.
“As FFCCCII reaches the auspicious milestone of seven decades of public service, our celebration not only commemorates the past but portends a future defined by resilience, unity, compassion, social idealism and a collective commitment to the economic growth and prosperity of the Philippines,” Pedro said.