Philippine businesses voice concern over political impasse

Philippine businesses are calling for a quick resolution to the month-long standoff between China and the Philippines over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, fueling fears that the prolonged political tensions could risk jobs related to tourism and fruit exports, the Financial Times reported. Chinese travel agents are said to be cancelling tours to the Philippines and Chinese airlines have cuts flights to Manila after China issued a safety travel advisory following small anti-China demonstrations in Manila last week. China was the 4th largest market for the Philippines’ tourism industry last year. Banana exporters also expressed concerns that banana shipments are being blocked by China, ostensibly for failing quarantine tests. The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association warns that over 200,000 banana farmers and ancillary workers could lose their jobs if China, the industry’s second-largest export destination, stops banana imports from the Philippines. “We have more to lose than them,” said Sergio Ortiz Luis, head of the Philippine Confederation of Exporters.