Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will be accompanied by 250 businessmen on his trip to China next week as he takes the initial steps to repair broken ties with Beijing.

Although there has been no official announcement yet about the huge business delegation that will join Duterte, sources told Reuters that more than 200 Filipino business executives have signed up to go on the trip.

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The sources said Filipino executives are "excited" to talk with Chinese CEOs and business leaders about cooperation in several areas such as rail, construction, tourism, farming, construction, infrastructure, and agribusiness, among others.

250 Business Executives

Earlier reports said only two dozen business executives were expected to go on the trip. But the figure dramatically increased to 250 with many more business groups waiting to be accommodated.

"I understand there are 100 more wanting to go," Philippine Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado said.

Terrado said the business industry's response was "overwhelming" and "unusual" considering that the two countries prepared the trip just a month ago.

Warming ties

This month, there have been signs of warming ties between Manila and Beijing with China's lifting its ban on the importation of bananas and pineapple from the Philippines.

The Philippine government also announced that it would seek billions of dollars in Chinese investments to fund its infrastructure projects in the coming months.

Economists have noted that Manila stands to receive a "windfall" in terms of economic cooperation agreements, during Duterte's trip.

Deeper economic relations

Analysts say that the huge business delegation accompanying Duterte and the positive vibes generated by his upcoming visit are concrete signs that the two sides want to improve their ties after years of hostility brought about by their dispute over territories in the South China Sea.

"We do have a very popular president and the president decided that he wanted to have a better relationship with China," said Francis Chua, chairman emeritus of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the official announcement of Duterte's visit would be made in the coming days.

He said both sides have expressed their desire to improve trade and diplomatic ties and that China is willing to cooperate.

Inside sources say that Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Duterte will address the more than 600 CEOs and representatives of business groups and private firms from both countries during the Filipino leader's visit to Beijing between October 19-21 visit.

Tagstrade alliance, China visit, business executives, Chinese companies, import ban, infrastructure projects, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Chinese President Xi jinping, Sino-Philippine talks, Philippines, china