Bank of China Manila, in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET), the Chinese Culture and Art Association, and the China Daily Asia Pacific, is spearheading a cultural exchange program and art exhibit as part of its efforts to bridgebusiness between the Philippines and China.
After the economic ties between China and Philippines developed quickly over the past years, cultural exchanges need to be intensified. Communication helps countries to develop their relationships and enhance people to people understanding and connectivity. But real communication starts from cultural exchange.“Bank of China is in the business of trust, and creating an environment where counterparties understand each other better also creates an environment that’s good for business,” said Deng Jun, Country Head of Bank of China Manila. “The cultural exchange program is our way of nurturing the trust between the Philippines and China. We hope that through this endeavor, our two countries will realize that they have so much in common despite their apparent differences.”
According to China Daily Asia Pacific’s Editor-in-Chief, Zhou Li, this year’s program is the best one yet, as it features a two-way exchange. “Previously, we took Chinese artists to other nations. But this year, we have artists from two countries, so they have chances to experience other cultures,” he said.
Under the program, the Bank has initiated an international art exhibition with an environmental theme inspired by the shared concern of both countries for the protection and preservation of nature.
Rapid industrialization has led to much economic progress, but not without heavy costs.
Today, many countries face rampant pollution, declining natural resources, and habitat loss affecting thousands of species. The consequences go far and wide, contributing to a global crisis such as climate change that’s already wreaking havoc worldwide with worsening weather events and rising sea levels.
