Source: Manila Bulletin, 02 May 2012
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, one of the most resilient emerging market economies, will have its chance to show to the world its strength and potential via the Philippine Corporate and Investment (PCI) Pavilion, one of the highlights of the Philippine Hosting of the 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank, also known as Manila 2012.
“The PCI Pavilion will serve as the venue for the Philippine Pavilion Exhibit, a story of the country’s growth potentials in key growth-drivers including infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism” according to Finance Undersecretary Rosalia de Leon, head of the Manila 2012 Host Country Secretariat.
“The PCI Pavilion is also the venue for the host country seminars which shall discuss economic and fiscal concerns impacting the Philippines and Asia, as well as trends and developments on key industries,” said De Leon.
The state-run Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, together with the Philippine Constructors Association, prepared a thorough discussion on PPPs which is the pillar of the economic programs under the Aquino administration.
Seminars that underscore the importance of Asia as an economic bloc have also been organized. The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and Standard Chartered Bank have invited Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam to speak about “Asia’s Role in a Changing World: Challenges and Benefits to the Region” while the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has invited Malaysia’s Central Bank Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz to give a presentation focusing on Asia’s outlook and the role of emerging markets in defining the region’s future.
The seminar sponsored by Credit Suisse, on the other hand, will focus on the potential of gaming business in integrated resorts to promote tourism in Asia. The Philippines’ Department of Tourism will discuss the current state and outlook of the country’s tourism efforts.
The pavilion, which is housed at the SMX Convention Center and is near the main venue of the ADB meetings at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), will also showcase the country’s best talents and performers as the Philippines holds the Host Country Reception for all delegates.
The activities, aimed at making the ADB meetings more exciting and meaningful for the delegates and guests, will run May 2-5.
“The PCI Pavilion exhibit is a chance to showcase the dynamism of the Philippine economy and our colorful culture. We have put together an exhibit entitled ‘The New Philippines in Action,’ showcasing our country’s story today: the growth potentials in sectors driving inclusive growth, specifically Infrastructure and Tourism,” said Jeannie Javelosa, curator of the exhibit.
“Through this visit, foreign delegates and visitors will experience the Filipino’s unique relational and collaborative personality, enriched by a history of international trade, pursuing new initiatives today,” she added.
The main ADB meeting will have about 4,000 top executives, government ministers and bankers from 67 countries assembling in Manila.
