Winning the bid to host the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC), the biggest and most important gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders from China and all over the world, the Philippines has welcomed a total of 3,000 international and 1,000 local business leaders.

Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Ace Durano has discussed the current tourism business scenario and additional prospects with Dr. Alfonso Uy, President of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), and WCEC over-all Vice Chairman.

Durano noted, “We are honoured to be the host country of this highly significant event.  It is indeed an opportunity to explore the viable investments and business relationships between the country and the world’s biggest entrepreneurs.”

“Foreseeing stronger economic links with tourism-related enterprises, we can expect a sustained recovery towards growth for the coming year,” he added.

Regarded as the biggest gathering of accomplished business leaders from all over the world, the 10th WCEC carries the theme World Prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship: Addressing the Challenges of the Global Crisis.

Special arrangements on visa were also made possible by the government to facilitate easier access for Chinese nationals attending the four-day convention, provided they have existing valid visas from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, or Schengen.

“We believe that this occasion could help draw even more Chinese tourists to the country as they may find our visa-free arrangements greatly favorable--apart from our value-for-money destination packages, and pervasive Chinese influences,” noted Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr.

“We acknowledge the pivotal role business ventures and investments play in our economic growth.  However, aside from being a business event, their visit to the Philippines is also a time to discover the rich beauty of our many islands and our warm hospitality,” he added.

Arlene Alipio, Head for DoT Team China said, “After the convention, the delegates will visit the country’s top beach destinations such as Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol, to experience our tropical wonders.”

Alongside the convention is World Entrepreneur Expo, the country’s largest business-to-business exhibition, will be held in conjunction with the Convention at SMX Convention Center Exhibition Hall, showcasing the finest products and services from the Philippines and the rest of the world, providing business opportunities, new ideas and latest technology.