Like the ambassador said, strong relations between China and the Philippines are paying many dividends, big and small. CGTN's Feng Yilei shows us the growing Filipino presence in China and where it will lead.  

It's one of the world's largest shopping destinations. Five mega buildings, covering an area of over 500,000 square meters, in northern China's Tianjin city. This "mega mall" is run by SM, a retail giant in the Philippines. Since entering China, the company has invested in and operated shopping centers in seven Chinese cities.

STEVEN T. TAN, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SM SUPERMALLS "We've been in the business for the past 60 years. Retail is really our DNA. When we enter the China market in 2001, we really see the potential of it."

After nearly two years' in operation, SM's Tianjin mall has seen more than 100% year-on-year growth in foot traffic. Its COO says working closely with local partners is key to success. By cooperating with local businesses, they provide services that suit the growing and diversified needs of locals. And the government offers them assistance in transportation and much more.

STEVEN T. TAN, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SM SUPERMALLS "It will just keep on growing. So we want to benefit from it and we want to go into all opportunities that China can give us."

But it's not just about them making a profit. Statistics show that some of their tenants' business performance has greatly developed along with the mall. And they are increasing employment opportunities and taxes for the local government. In Tianjin, the mall now serves as a catalyst for vitalizing new areas and creating economic growth in the city. And what's more?

FENG YILEI TIANJIN "Here in this shopping center, Chinese customers can really enjoy a taste of the Philippines and take a liking to their specialties- like this pack of dried mangos. It creates a platform for more Filipino brands and products to come in, which reflects recent trends of this Southeast Asian country's looking for bigger markets."

In recent years, many Filipino companies like SM seek business opportunities in China as the country opens up and its economy upgrades. China has become the top trading partner and a major source of investments of the Philippines.

Authorities say bilateral trade between the two nations is growing by double digits, and the net foreign direct investment from China in the first half grew nearly four thousand times.

GLENN G. PENARANDA, COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR PHILIPPINE TRADE & INVESTMENT CENTER IN CHINA "If you look at these numbers and look at the leadership that our leaders have shown- the friendly relations, the frequent exchange of our officials, now the increasing engagement with the private enterprises. Our relation is in best state which provides a platform for continued expansion of our business."

Some are catching onto the reciprocal trend. BDO, the largest bank in the Philippines has opened an office in China, serving banking needs of Chinese companies and individuals who invest in the Philippines.

WU TIANPENG, CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE BEIJING OFFICE, BDO UNIBANK "Our business volume has increased in terms of market research, consulting and liaisons. More and more Chinese companies, especially SMEs, are seeking commercial opportunities in the Philippines but are unfamiliar with their investment or legal environment."

Deals signed between both sides have already made the objective clear - to steer and promote rapid, stable and orderly trade and economic cooperation. In the future, the two countries will cooperate in more fields and complement each other even more. FYL, CGTN, TJ.