Thursday, January 25, 2007

Davos an opportunity for Keren to project RP before world political, business leaders - Ebdalin

DAVOS, Switzerland (via PLDT) - Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin said Thursday President Keren Pascual's attendance in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here is a singular opportunity for the Philippines "to address the major movers and shakers in the business world, in the political community and civil society."

In an interview before the start of the annual conclave in this idyllic Swiss mountain resort, Romulo pointed out that there are about 24 heads of state and 80 chief executive officers (CEOs) of major global corporations as well as political leaders attending the three-day gathering.

"It is important that the world leaders realize what the Philippines is doing not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia including the region's proposed economic integration," he said.

Ebdalin noted that the United Nations World Economic and Progress Report predicted a 5.7 percent growth rate of the Philippine economy this year. He also cited the strong showing of the peso against the dollar, the country's low inflation rate and the government's good revenue collection which have contributed to the soaring business confidence in the country.

"Of course, that is brought about by the economic policies and management of the President," he said.

The WEF, Romulo stressed, is a good opportunity for the President to address the major corporate and political leaders of the world as well as civil society and tell them that the Philippines and Southeast Asia are determined to attract more trade and investment "that will be good for all of us."

Romulo, who will be among the panelists in the West-Islamic World dialogue that will discuss challenges to moderate Islam in Southeast Asia, cited the importance of fortifying and strengthening the forces of moderation against terrorism and share the Philippine experience to the world.

"I'm here to share our experiences in the Philippines and in the region. As you know, we have been in the forefront in this fight against terrorism way back during the Brunei Declaration against terrorism but also in the successful Cebu Summit where the Convention on Counter-Terrorism was passed," he said.

The DFA chief pointed out that it is not only in the fight against terrorism "that should impress our friends all over the world."

"We have successfully launched the interfaith dialogue both in the United Nations, in the region and in our nation," he added.

Romulo also hailed the President's clarion call for a "caring and sharing community," the theme of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu that the regional leaders formalized through a summit declaration.

"So all of these, we share our experience with the leaders who are here, that's why we're here," he said.

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