The Philippines said it is trade as usual with China despite the scare over the new coronavirus (NCOV).
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said although no inbound missions are scheduled within the next few months, the Philippines will continue to participate in three big trade events in China late this year.
He said if at all, exports to China will be affected but only on certain products and in areas where demand is curtailed, such as those covered by the lockdown
Manufacturing of products that depend on raw materials from China is not affected, Lopez said.
“I asked the food sector if the (NCOV scare and lockdown) can affect the importation of raw materials, I asked the purchasing managers… they said there is no effect,” he added.
Lopez said the China International Fair for Investment and Trade will proceed as scheduled in September in Xiamen which will gather exporters and big companies.
“We have committed last year that we will participate as country of honor,” Lopez said.
Two other major events, the China International Import Expo and the China-Asean Expo are set as well.
The trade department is coordinating with the bureaus and commercial attaches on the suggested protocols on incoming missions, if any.
