Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met on Wednesday with the visiting delegation of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc (FFCCCII).

Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China National People's Congress (NPC), and Qian Yunlu, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, were present at the meeting in Beijing.

The delegation came to China at the invitation of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, whose head Li Haifeng also attended the meeting.

In his talks with the delegation, Jia spoke highly of the healthy and smooth development of Sino-Philippine relations.

He also expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Chinese-Philippine to promoting the Philippines' economic development and social progress, as well as bilateral cooperation.

He thanked all overseas Chinese, including the FFCCCII, for efforts to show concern and support for China's economic development and its cause of peaceful reunification.

After recalling China's achievements in the 30-year-old reform and opening-up drive, Jia said the government has taken strong macro-economic measures to deal with the global financial crisis.

China will actively participate in international efforts to stabilize the world economy, said the CPPCC leader, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau.

He expressed hopes that Chinese-Philippine could play a unique role in promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nationality, and making new contributions to the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

The FFCCCII was founded in 1954 and now has 170 member organizations, according to its official website.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2008)