Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte extended his greetings to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao, the local Chinese and Filipino-Chinese community on its founding anniversary.
The Mayor praised the Chinese Consulate and the Chinese community for their contribution to the growth of Davao City during the celebration of the 74th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Thursday at the DusitD2 in Davao City.
“This celebration marks a significant milestone for China as it stands as a shining example of what a nation can achieve when its citizens are united in their pursuit of progress, prosperity, and well-being,” he said in his message.
He said that since the establishment of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao in 2018, Dabawenyos have been blessed with opportunities and assistance in the fields of education, trade, social aid, and infrastructure development, among others.
“Our local Chinatown community has always been very active and has helped shape Davao City to become what it is today. And since the establishment of the Consulate in 2018, this relationship has only grown stronger,” he said.
He added that the celebration also strengthens the deep-rooted friendship between China and Davao City.
“Through the years of fruitful collaborations, cultural exchange, and mutual respect, we have witnessed the growth of a partnership that transcends borders. And so, on behalf of the city government and the people of Davao City, thank you,” he said.
Meanwhile, Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen said since the beginning of this year, exchanges and cooperation with China in Mindanao have also made positive progress.
“Since I took office in June, I have visited many officials in my consular district and felt a strong friendly atmosphere and a strong desire to cooperate,” she said.
She also said that agricultural cooperation has made progress, with more types of agricultural products exported to China from Mindanao including durian.
She also said that the durian from Mindanao won the love of the Chinese people during the 20th China-ASEAN Expo 20th China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2023.
In April this year, the Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-Davao) shipped 18 metric tons of durian to China.
The DA’s Davao office received on April 3 China’s notice of approval for the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements, which was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in January during his meeting with Chinese officials led by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
