Despite restrictions of Spanish colonial government 's restrictions against foreign trade , French and other foreign traders were already in Manila before it was formally opened for foreign trade .
France discovered the potential use of abaca in the manufacture of naval supplies , particularly ropes .
Despite restrictions of Spanish colonial government 's restrictions against foreign trade , France and other foreign traders were already in Manila before France was formally opened for foreign trade .
France discovered the potential use of abaca in the manufacture of naval supplies , particularly ropes .