Pangasinan’s China Connection

They were back and that should certainly indicate they do mean serious business.

A Chinese delegation was again in the province last week to look into trade opportunities and possible business ventures here. (And another did make remarks as well on the political landscape, particularly about stronger unity within the ruling coalition, but that is another story.)

This recent visit comes on the heels of a trip to Pangasinan by Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Li Jun Jin in late October last year. During that weekend stop, the Chinese government’s envoy pledged assistance for several projects including financial support for a study on the construction of a pipeline system for the waters coming from the mountains around San Roque Dam in San Manuel town that will serve both as flood control and a water supply structure.

The ambassador also broached the idea of establishing a China-Philippines research and development center at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bonuan Binloc and the construction of a cement plant in Western Pangasinan.

China‘s relation with Pangasinan is by no means new. The Lingayen Gulf actually served as a major entry point and trading port for Chinese merchants during the height of the maritime trade among Asian neighbors in Pre-Hispanic Philippines. Our commercial ties with our Chinese friends go a long way back.

Today, the People’s Republic of China is becoming a formidable force in the world. Asia’s quiet giant is making a lot of noise in the global scene. For one, its people account for 20% of the world’s total population. And this country, though remaining communist, is one of the fastest growing economies following its slow and very calculated move to open itself up to capitalism.

China is a huge market and its investors have a lot of money to spend for new ventures. Pangasinan’s economy, and ultimately the Pangasinenses, could very well benefit from that.

But provincial leaders have to make sure that the interest the Chinese have so far shown is brought to fruition. They have to be able to demonstrate to China that Pangasinan – which has the 3rd largest population and 15th largest land area in the Philippines – is indeed a fertile ground for sowing seeds.

The province needs leaders who have, among other things, a sound and practical economic agenda that will spur sustainable development.

And we would like to hear that from the candidates as they go on the last stretch of their campaign rounds with only a few weeks left before the May 14 voting.

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