In line with the government’s strategy of employing economic diplomacy towards increasing foreign investments and market access for Philippine products, the Philippines is joining the first-ever trade fair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in South Africa in November.
Philippine Ambassador to Pretoria Virgilio Reyes reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the Philippines will participate in the first ASEAN Trade, Tourism, and Culture Exhibition (ASEANTEX 2005) in Johannesburg, South Africa from Nov. 10-13.
The ASEANTEX is expected to increase awareness among South Africans of the business opportunities in the Philippines, and of the products and services offered by Philippine businesses.
The ASEANTEX will also provide ASEAN members the opportunities to promote the various tourism spots in the region.
At a reception held at the Philippine Embassy last September to celebrate the Philippines’ participation in the ASEANTEX 2005, Reyes noted the importance of economic diplomacy in aggressively promoting the entry of Philippine products and services into a huge market like the African continent.
"The economic reforms taking place in the countries of the African continent in their desire to accelerate growth and development bodes well for the Philippines’ economic thrust in the export of its top winners as well as attracting strategic investors in the manufacturing industry, particularly in mining," Reyes said.
Zane Dawood, president of the South African company Global Exhibitions which is organizing ASEANTEX 2005, said that the ASEANTEX would eventually become "a grand annual trade, culture, and tourism event to reckon with," since it would involve two of the largest regions in the world.
ASEANTEX 2005 is organized by Global Exhibitions in cooperation with the ASEAN Missions in Pretoria comprised of the High Commissions of Malaysia and Singapore, and the Embassies of Indonesia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. (David Cagahastian)
