The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), represented by chair Rommel T. Juan, chair emeritus Ferdinand I. Raquelsantos, and president Edmund A. Araga, recently visited the office of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Committee (RICC) in China. Accompanied by business officials from the Embassy of the Philippines in China, this visit marks a significant milestone in fostering cooperation in the electric vehicle (EV) industry between China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
The delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with RICC representatives, including Chair Xu Ningning, Secretary General Jennifer Liu, and Liaison Officer Nicole Wang. These discussions focused on enhancing collaboration and sharing best practices in EV technology, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks. This visit underscores the commitment of EVAP leaders to drive the growth and development of the EV industry in Southeast Asia through strategic partnerships and international cooperation.
Juan emphasized the importance of the visit, stating, “Our engagement with RICC is a pivotal step towards strengthening our ties with China and other Asean countries. By working together, we can accelerate the adoption of EVs and contribute to a sustainable future.”
Raquelsantos highlighted the potential benefits of this collaboration, saying, “The exchange of knowledge and expertise between our countries will pave the way for innovative solutions in the EV sector. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Araga echoed these sentiments, adding, “Our visit to RICC is a testament to our dedication to advancing the EV industry in the Philippines and beyond. We look forward to building on this foundation and achieving remarkable milestones in the years to come.”
Xu Ningning expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to host the leaders of EVAP and are confident that this cooperation will lead to significant advancements in the EV industry. Together, we can achieve mutual growth and sustainability.”
Liu and Wang also shared their optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to foster innovation and progress in the EV sector.
The visit to the RICC office aligns with EVAP’s ongoing efforts to promote the upcoming 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, which will be held from Oct. 24 to 26, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. The summit aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the EV landscape.