Manila: The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has expressed support for the Philippine government's new 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the business group described the initiative as a significant and strategic move that aligns the Philippines with other Southeast Asian countries aiming to attract Chinese tourists.

In a statement, FFCCCII President Victor Lim highlighted the importance of this visa-free policy by noting the increasing number of Chinese outbound travelers, which is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels of 155 million and reach over 200 million by 2028. Lim emphasized that this presents a substantial opportunity for the Philippines to tap into the world's largest source market of affluent tourists whose consumption habits are influencing global tourism trends.

Lim further stated that this initiative is crucial for positioning the Philippines as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists. He assured that the FFCCCII would provide complete and active support to the government's tourism efforts and utilize its business networks to promote the Philippines not just to the Chinese market but globally.

Starting January 16, Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines for tourism and business can enter the country without a visa for 14 days. This development follows the revival of the e-Visa system for Chinese nationals in November. The Chinese Embassy in Manila has also acknowledged this policy change as a positive step towards enhancing Philippine-China relations.