China commerce minister says Philippines visit fruitful

Chinese Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan answers questions at a press conference on structural adjustments and innovation for the fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said Saturday that his recent visit to the Philippines reaped fruitful results in deepening trade and investment cooperation.[Special Coverage]

The new minister visited the Philippines earlier this month with a mission to follow through the broad consensus reached between the two countries' presidents last October.

Zhong said he met with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and several ministers, and had friendly and practical conversations with them.

The two countries reached broad consensus on strengthening bilateral economic ties, such as in trade, investment, industrial park and infrastructure construction as well as cooperation at multilateral and regional levels, according to Zhong.

While in Manila, Zhong co-hosted the 28th Chinese-Philippine Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation (JCETC), the official bilateral mechanism for discussion of trade, investments and economic cooperation, with Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The JCETC was convened after a five-year hiatus.

Zhong said trade between the two countries has gathered steam since Duterte's visit to China.