Vice President Manuel “Noli” de Castro is pushing for the trade structure between the Philippines and Jilin, China to diversify away from mechanical and electrical products which, according to him, are very sensitive to sluggish demand from the West, and concentrate instead on agricultural and agri-business.

Speaking during the Northeast Asia Economic and Trade Cooperation High-Level Forum in Jilin, China Tuesday, the Vice President said although trade relationship between the country and Jilin improved significantly, it still has a lot of room for growth.

“Perhaps, as a starting point, we can look for ways to diversify our trade structure away from mechanical and electrical products which are very sensitive to sluggish demand from the West, and concentrate on agricultural and agri-business” De Castro said.

De Castro pointed out that Jilin’s specific strength is in agriculture which he considers as an area where the Philippines and Jilin could further strengthen. He expressed strong support to the efforts of Jilin in promoting investments and trade in Northeast Asia.

The Vice President is optimistic that despite the weakening of the overall market demand world-wide, China will be at the forefront of growth when full recovery comes.

De Castro expressed support for all efforts that will improve bilateral trade between China and the Philippines, and within the Asian region, particularly with the ASEAN-China free trade agreement starting in 2010.

According to De Castro, Philippines-Jilin Trade only makes up two percent of the entire $28 billion Philippines-China trade. Total trade between Jilin and the Philippines grew from $36 million in 2006 to $58 million in 2008. For the first seven months this year, total trade reached $27 million.

De Castro is encouraging more joint projects between Chinese and Filipino businessmen in China, Philippines and other parts of Asia and urged for the harnessing of the Asian market at the soonest possible time.

During his visit, De Castro also graced the opening of the Fifth China Jilin-Northeast Asia Investment and Trade Expo and met with China’s Vice Premier Li Keqiang.