Which area in Manila was developed as a trading port by the Arabs and Chinese?

Binondo is recognized as one of the oldest districts in Manila and has significant historical importance as a trading port. It was developed primarily due to the influx of Chinese traders who settled in the area, along with Arab traders who were involved in commerce as well. This established a vibrant trading community that facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between Chinese merchants and local populations, and later with other groups as Manila grew as a trade hub during the Spanish colonization.

Binondo's unique identity was shaped by the early interactions of these diverse trading groups, making it a focal point for economic activity and multicultural engagement in Manila. This historical significance is why Binondo is synonymous with trade and commerce in the early days of Manila's development as a port city. The effectiveness of its location near the Pasig River made it easy for traders to access shipping routes, further enhancing its role in regional trade networks during that period.