Chinese businessmen have expressed strong interest to invest in the country’s tourism, retirement, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing noting the vibrancy in these sectors.

This was confirmed by Francis Chua, chairman of the organizing committee of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurship Convention with the theme,
“World Prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship.”

The two-day event gathered over 3,000 Chinese delegates not only from mainland China but from 22 countries around the world.

“They are looking at tourism, retirement, agriculture and manufacturing,” Chua said.

Discussions, however, are still very preliminary since the Chinese businessmen delegation only arrived here last week.

Alfonso Uy, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. which hosted this year’s convention, said that several Chinese companies are looking into mining projects in the country. “They are looking for local partners,” Uy said.

Uy also noted that some of the Chinese have come here earlier before the event to visit the countryside and scout for possible investment opportunities.

“That is why Tourism Secretary Ace Durano is very happy,” Uy said although he said that it will take some time to finalize investment plans.

He added that the Chinese are interested in agriculture because they have a population to feed. The country's tropical fruits such as pineapple, mangoes and bananas are very much in demand in China, he added .

On the other hand, Chua cited the convention as the “biggest Chinese event in the country this year.”

The convention, however, is held once every two years and is being hosted by different countries. This is the first time that the event was held in the Philippines .