Jia Qinglin, China's top political advisor, continued his two-day visit to the Philippines on Friday by urging Chinese entrepreneurs to forge closer ties and promote common development. In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) here, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), spoke highly of the contribution overseas Chinese, including the business communities, had made in promoting China's development. 'China's remarkable achievements in economic and social development would not have been possible without the outstanding contribution of tens of millions of overseas Chinese,' said Jia. Jia said overseas Chinese had opened many businesses in China, making good use of their advantages in capital, technology, human resources and management expertise. This had significantly promoted China's economic development, enhanced its technological and management level and facilitated its economic cooperation and trade with other countries and regions, Jia said. He said overseas Chinese had also served as a bridge of communication between China and other countries. 'They develop friendly relations and conduct governmental and non-governmental cooperation and exchanges in multiple fields and through various channels,' said Jia. 'This way, they have contributed to the expansion of China's influence overseas and the deepening of friendship between the Chinese people and people of other countries,' he added. 