Chinese firms eye bigger share of Phl market

Two Chinese companies in the watchmaking and food industries are planning to expand their presence in the Philippines, citing growing confidence in the country’s market potential and opportunities for stronger trade partnerships.

Zhangzhou Hengli Electronic Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of clocks, watches and smart electronic products, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) to explore possible investment projects within the economic zone.

Company chief executive officer Shao Yueming said the proposed partnership could provide Hengli with a strategic entry point to strengthen its Philippine operations, although specific investment details and the project timeline have yet to be finalized.

Hengli already distributes its products in the Philippines but has yet to commence an actual investment project in the country.

Shao described the potential collaboration as mutually beneficial, noting that expanded operations could generate local employment while allowing the company to tap a broader Southeast Asian consumer base.

He also pointed to the rapid development of e-commerce and cross-border trade as factors that could make Chinese products more accessible to Filipino consumers.

Meanwhile, Ranli Food Group Co. Ltd. is seeking to increase its Philippine market share by expanding its distribution network and bringing in additional local business partners.

Marketing director Lan Shaowei said the company, which already has sellers and dealers in the Philippines, intends to strengthen its market presence through wider commercial partnerships.

Its expansion strategy includes reaching more consumers through retail outlets, traditional markets, convenience stores and online selling platforms.

The company’s move signals growing interest among Chinese food producers in tapping the Philippines’ consumer market through diversified distribution channels.

The parallel expansion plans of Hengli and Ranli underscore the continuing interest of Chinese enterprises in the Philippine market, with both companies looking to capitalize on trade opportunities, local partnerships and the country’s expanding consumer base.

The developments were disclosed during a Philippines-China media tour of manufacturing facilities in Zhangzhou, China, organized recently.