Oct 4, Bohol Chronicle, Philippines - The Consulate General of the Philippines in Xiamen City of the People's Republic of China has recommended to Bohol officials to make their return visit to Jiangxi province in November.

In her letter to Gov. Erico Aumentado, Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin, consul general, recommended that Bohol accept the invitation. She also suggested that the delegation make the trip next month, and make the visit part of the activities marking the year-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

Bahjin who came with the first group of mostly foreign affairs officials of Jiangxi and cities within that province also thanked the local officials for making their stay in Bohol ruly memorable.

The success of the visit that culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Friendly Exchange and Cooperation augurs well for future relations and exchanges between the two provinces, Bahjin said.

Like Bohol, Jiangxi also boasts of many tourist attractions. It has vast agricultural and timberlands but is also into manufacturing.

The first delegation showed interest in Filipino teachers to teach English. Speaking through an interpreter, Wang Yongxiang, deputy director of Jiangxi Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, said he will communicate with Aumentado as soon as possible as to how many teachers they will need.

The group also visited agricultural areas and the feeds and fertilizer plants in Ubay town.

The meeting paved the way for the signing of the memorandum by Aumentado and Meng Jian Zhu, chair of the standing committee of the Jiangxi Provincial People's Congress.

Under the memorandum, both sides shall actively push forward their respective local governments and civil societies to conduct exchange and cooperation in the fields of administration, economy, tourism, culture, education, trade and industry.

In accordance with the principle of equality and mutual benefit, both sides shall take active measures and provide facilities to support and promote bilateral exchange and cooperation.

Jiangxi already has a built-in liaison department. In the absence of one for Bohol, Aumentado designated the Office of the Governor itself.

Aumentado and Meng signed the memorandum Sept. 6 at the MetroCentre Hotel. They ceremonially signed another copy of the memorandum the following day at Malaca6nang Palace witnessed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

A highlight of Meng's visit to the Philippines was the courtesy call on the President.