MANILA, Philippines – China a no show at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia? No big deal, said a Philippine official on Thursday.
“No. You’ve seen the success of the participation of a number of countries, a number of CEOs,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing at the Makati Shangri-La where the WEF was being held.
“Certainly, it would be better if they’re here but it has not affected at all the participation of a number of countries in East Asia, recognizing the importance of East Asia as a business region,” Lacierda said.
He pointed out that the WEF had succeeded in bringing together government officials and businessmen to learn about each other’s views on business, graft and corruption, and the importance of leveraging growth towards equitable progress.
The Palace spokesperson said it was also a venue to promote and discuss the Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s economic integration in 2015.
The Philippines is hosting the WEF on East Asia for the first time in history. The 3-day event has attracted more than 600 delegates from 30 countries.
RELATED STORIES
China absence casts shadow on WEF
Aquino, Vietnam premier likely to touch on China in WEF talks—Palace