by Nimfa Estrellado General Luna Mayor Matt Florido and Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo of Quezon Province with the host of China-ASEAN Mayors&...
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| General Luna Mayor Matt Florido and Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo of Quezon Province with the host of China-ASEAN Mayors' Forum held in Guilin, Guangxi, China, from November 19 to 21, 2023. (Photo from Mayor Matt Florido Withaheart/FACEBOOK) |
GENERAL LUNA, Quezon - General Luna Mayor Matt Florido and Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo of Quezon Province are among the 12 mayors chosen to represent the Philippines in the China-ASEAN Mayors' Forum. This prestigious event aims to promote cooperation and exchange between cities in China and ASEAN member countries.
As representatives of the Philippines in the recent 2023 China-ASEAN Mayors' Forum held in Guilin, Guangxi, China, from November 19 to 21, 2023 Mayor Florido, Mayor Letargo shared some of the programs, economic developments, and products of their respective local government units that have potential for collaboration and partnership with cities in China and other ASEAN member countries. They also form real collaborations with investors as a result of this gathering, bringing progress, new jobs, and economic prospects to everyone involved.
This participation also serves as a platform for Quezon Province to showcase its unique strengths and opportunities, attract potential investors, and further enhance its economic growth. The forum provides an avenue for knowledge exchange and learning from successful collaborations in other regions, allowing Quezon Province to adapt best practices and strategies for its own development.
Floridos's presentation focused on the impact of development projects on local communities and emphasized the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth. He highlighted the need for responsible and ethical business practices that prioritize the well-being of both people and the environment. While Letargo's presentation focused on introducing his municipal richness in culture, natural resources, and their preservation, its continuous and rapid development into the future through innovations garnered good praise from fellow delegates and dignitaries present at the said forum.
Both mayors are committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in their respective cities. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, businesses, and communities to achieve these goals. Additionally, they discussed the implementation of policies and initiatives that support social equity, environmental conservation, and economic prosperity for all residents.
Mayor Florido, Mayor Letargo expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the forum and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow leaders. They acknowledged the value of sharing best practices and learning from each other's experiences to create positive change in their cities.
Furthermore, they expressed their eagerness to continue fostering strong partnerships and cooperation among local stakeholders to address common challenges and work towards a brighter future for their communities and their respective residents. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective action in tackling issues such as urban development, sustainability, and social equality.
Under the theme "ASEAN Community with a Shared Future," numerous representatives from China, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and other ASEAN countries attended the forum to discuss plans for sustainable urban development. The China-ASEAN Mayors' Forum focused on jointly building a homeland, jointly promoting prosperity, and using high-level urban cooperation to help build a closer China.
The China-ASEAN Mayor's Forum is said to be a high-level forum event approved by China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region that is integrated into the framework of the China-ASEAN Expo. It has been successfully held six times since it began in 2015, establishing a communication link between more than 200 Chinese and international cities. In order to foster mutually beneficial collaboration between Chinese and ASEAN cities, this event organized discussions and exchanges between mayors and other mayors, mayors and scholars, mayors and entrepreneurs, etc.
Vice Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xu Xianhui, expressed in a speech his hope to use the forum to further industrial integration and cultural exchanges, foster innovative city building, and enhance cooperation among ASEAN cities along the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. Encourage economic and trade exchanges, cultural exchanges, technical cooperation, and information sharing between China and ASEAN.
The forum's topics, such as "inheriting urban history and culture" and "building a smart ecological city," are in line with Guilin's aspirations to become a world-class tourism destination, according to Guilin Mayor Li Chu. He aspires to gain insight into both domestic and foreign sister cities, gain advanced experience, strengthen bonds of friendship, foster more practical teamwork, and share chances for personal growth.
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