Chairman of the National Committee of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China arrived 2:45 p.m. yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 1.
His Excellency Jia Qinglin is here for a two-day visit as the honored guest of the World Chinese Entrepreneur’s Conference, which started Thursday and will end today at the SMX, Mall of Asia.
The dignitary will also meet President Gloria Arroyo, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Deputy House Speaker Amelita Villarosa.

“I am confident that this visit will deepen mutual understanding, increase mutual trust and promote the further growth of the strategic and cooperative relationship between China and the Philippines,” Qinglin said.

Qinglin said the smooth development of China-Philippine relations has brought real benefits to the people of the two countries and contributed to peace, stability and development in the region.

The welcoming party included Sen. Nene Pimentel, Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Airlines Lucio Tan, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Francis Chua and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao.

“We’re happy in the Senate to have a high official come over. The convention is about helping big and small entrepreneurs to put up a business,” Pimentel said.

Chu, on the other hand, said, “The main goal of the convention is to introduce the Philippines to the International world. We want him [Jia Qinglin] to discover that Philippines is the place for investment, tourism and even for retirement.”

Johanna M. Sampan