The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) convenes today the 35th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC & E), a three-day event at the historic landmark Manila Hotel. It brings together the leaders of industry in the country with the concerned public officials and heads of international organizations.

Carrying the theme “One. Global. Filipino: Regional Economic Development: Frontline to Sustainability,” the 35th PBC&E will start with a discussion on the global economic situation with the aim of setting an agenda for public-private cooperation.

The conference is expected to focus on assessing the magnitude of interrelated difficulties that are threatening employment and incomes and, consequently, political and socio-economic stability. It hopes to forge a consensus on public-private cooperation to create active local economies through the regional/local economic development agenda, which would help the country’s economy attain growth in the face of global challenges.

Several sessions will be held on topics such as promoting food security, infrastructure development, re-engineered education, and energy sustainability. The PCCI believes these should be given emphasis in the medium term so as to fuel the FIRE of sustainable development. Department secretaries and leaders of other industry associations as well as academics will lead in the plenary sessions that will discuss the state of agriculture, infrastructure development, educational reforms, and energy generation and distribution in the country today. As in previous conferences, the 35th PBC&E will end with the assembly adopting resolutions on the agreed upon steps or interventions among business leaders.

The conference will be highlighted with the conferment of awards, including Recognition for Best Workplace POPDEV Awards, PCCI E3 (Excellence in Ecology and Economy), the Most Business –Friendly Local Government Unit Award, Most Outstanding Chamber Award, and Intellectual Property Award. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's closing address that is expected to highlight the programs that her administration has undertaken or plans to implement to spur economic growth.

We congratulate the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its Chairman Atty. Miguel B. Varela, and President Edgardo G. Lacson, Officers and Members, on the occasion of the 35th Philippine Business Conference and Expo and wish them success in all their endeavors.