Manila sends officials to Beijing for economic cooperation talks

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China on Monday agreed to cooperate with the Philippines on a series of projects to fight poverty.

Five ministers from the Philippines met Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng, who said an "initial batch" of projects that still needs to be finalized was discussed. Philippine Finance Minister Carlos Dominguez said the discussions in Beijing were "very productive."

China's Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng attends a session during the 2016 G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Shanghai, China July 10, 2016. /CFP Photo

The finance minister said that the Philippine delegation's two-day visit is aimed at promoting economic cooperation with China as the country has rich experience in infrastructure construction.

Talks covered large projects in rural areas, as well as some smaller projects. The Philippine delegation is in China to discuss agreements signed between the two countries last October during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit.

Carlos Dominguez, the Philippines' secretary of finance, speaks during an interview in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. /CFP Photo

Relations between China and the Philippines have seen some recent tension, due to the South China Sea arbitration case brought against China by Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III.

Duterte's visit to Beijing was seen as a turning point in bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to properly address their differences and work on further improving the relationship between the two nations.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during a speech after leading a mass oath-taking of newly-promoted officials of the Philippine National Police at the Malacanang presidential palace in metro Manila, Philippines January 19, 2017. /CFP Photo

Philippine direct investment in China totaled over 38 million US dollars in 2015, down more than 60 percent from 2014, according to financial data provider Wind Information.

Data from China's General Administration of Customs showed trade between the two countries grew 10.7 percent to more than 36 billion US dollars between January and October 2016.

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