An initial $15.2 million worth of investments from Fujian-based Chinese businessmen are expected to flow into the Philippines now that the provincial government has approved their proposals to establish offices and branches in the Philippines.

Dr. Chu Yanli, senior counsellor of the Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People's Government, said the investments will be in mineral exploration, food processing, communications, construction, wholesale and retail particularly in software and minerals.

"We have approved 18 Fujian enterprises to set up their offices or branches in the Philippines and the approved investment is US $15.2 million," she told visiting journalists from the Philippines, including GMA News Onine, and Thailand during a dinner Tuesday.

Fujian, located on the southeast coast of the Chinese mainland, is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in China.

The central government in Beijing sees it as having a major role in China's opening to the outside world.

Chu said that, in 2014, the trade volume between the Fujian region and the Philippines reached $4.959 billion.

She said the imports reached $ 3.736 billion and the major products are textiles, mechanical machineries and machine spare parts, sportswear, and some other metal products while the export was $ 1.223 billion, which was a 26.5 percent increase from last year. She said the major export products are minerals, fruits, nuts, wood and wood products.

"This year, from January to May, the import and export volume between Fujian and the Philippines is $1.98 billion or a 12.9 percent increase from last year," she said.

Chu further said that up to May this year, 1,358 Filipino enterprises have invested in Fujian with a contractual investment of $ 2.885 billion and paid in capital of $ 2.253 billion.

With this, she expressed hope that there will be more partnership and trade connection between the Philippines and Fujian.

"I personally welcome the Philippines. I'm a very good friend especially the Chinese Fujianese. Remember the 40 years relationship between the two countries. China is open to anybody who is open to join its initiatives," she said.

Chu, meanwhile, refused to comment on the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China on the West Philippine Sea saying it is the central government who should give a statement on it.

She, however, mentioned that China is pushing for peace and development.

"China is a responsible country to do something not just for China but for other countries, as well. It is pushing for peace and not war among countries, it is for openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefits. That is definitely bilateral and not one side," she said.

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