Zhangpu County in Fujian Province, China and Iligan City in Lanao del Norte signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on friendly exchange relations on April 21, 2025, focused on cultural, tourism, trade and economic development.
Six counties in Quanzhou City have established friendly exchange relationships with cities in the Philippines as of now.
Historically, Quanzhou played a vital role as a starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Its Yue Port was a key hub in building sea trade routes through Luzon, extending as far as America and Europe.
According to officials from the Zhangzhou City Foreign Affairs Office, the city aims to further develop sustainable economic relationships with Philippine partners.
Through the friendship platforms, they will strengthen exchange and cooperation with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), expanding their international circle of friends.
Iligan City will use the opportunity to further promote cultural, tourism, economic and trade cooperation with Zhangpu county.
The Zhangpu County government also hosted a promotion fair for the China–Philippines Innovation and Development Demonstration Park, showcasing investment opportunities and development strategies aimed at deepening cooperation between the two sides.
The Zhangpu International Chamber of Commerce and the Mindanao Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperation MOU, further cementing ties between the business communities of both regions.
