Trade set to rise as Beijing-Manila ties thaw

Demand on either side for food and industry items leads to 'remarkable growth in bilateral' imports and exports

With China and the Philippines redefining and improving their bilateral relationship in recent times with a focus on pragmatic business and political ties, fruit merchants, nickel mine owners and machinery manufacturers on either side have started foraying into each others' markets.

The opportunities come from the large Chinese middle class' demand for various agricultural products such as mango and banana as well as aquatic products. This coincides with the Philippines' ongoing infrastructure development and industrialization, which are aimed at boosting production and exports.