MICRO, SMALL and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to benefit from the increased tourism and trade that will be prompted by the opening of a Chinese consulate general in Davao City. “Chinese tourists have been taking over the world … and with the opening of the Chinese Consulate General in Davao City timed with the launching of the direct flight of (Cathay) Dragon from Davao to Hong Kong, we anticipate a remarkable impact on tourism and trade,” MSMEs Development Council (MSMEDC)-Mindanao Representative Mary Ann M. Montemayor said in an interview. “They are filling hotels, tourist buses, cruise ships and Davao/Mindanao will now be a test bed on how attractive we will be,” she said. Ms. Montemayor also said that the existing sisterhood agreement between Davao and Nanning in China will likewise ensure that trade, investment and tourism will be enhanced. “As they say, the ball is in our hands… it is now incumbent upon us to play our cards right,” she said. The consular office was inaugurated on Oct. 28 by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a two-day visit for bilateral meetings. — Carmencita A. Carillo

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