The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) recently called on the government to relax visa restrictions for Chinese tourists and to promote related reforms to modernize agriculture and improve the business environment, thereby enhancing the Philippines' economic competitiveness.
FFCCCII President Shi Dongfang noted that in light of the government's recent decision to completely ban the online gambling (BC) industry, the FFCCCII hopes to relax visa approvals for Chinese tourists to compensate for some economic losses and boost tourism development.
Shi Dongfang emphasized that several ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, have already implemented visa-free policies for Chinese tourists, while other countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities, giving them an advantage in attracting tourists and investors. If the Philippines does not adjust its policies, it may be at a disadvantage in regional competition.
The Philippine Department of Tourism previously stated that the strictness of visa policies is a major factor in the decline in the number of Chinese tourists. Data shows that in 2024, the total number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines was 312,222, far lower than the 1.74 million before the pandemic in 2019.
In addition, Shi Dongfang also called for the promotion of agricultural mechanization, reduction of electricity costs, and reduction of cumbersome bureaucratic procedures to improve business operational efficiency. He supports wage adjustments through tripartite wage committees involving the government, labor, and management, rather than directly proposing to increase the minimum wage by 200 pesos.
Justin Uy, President of the Cebu Wan Nawei Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Philippines needs not only to enhance the international competitiveness of its tourism industry but also to promote the development of the service sector, export industry, and various other industries to keep pace with its ASEAN neighbors. He specifically mentioned that countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia are experiencing rapid economic growth, and the Philippines could further widen the gap if it does not accelerate socio-economic reforms.
Justin Uy also pointed out that the Philippines has too many holidays, leading to supply chain disruptions and forcing some factories to shut down, thereby affecting the job market. He revealed that just in the Cebu garment industry alone, 4,000 people have become unemployed due to this, and the government should carefully evaluate holiday arrangements to ensure stable industrial development.
