BOAO, China — Deals amounting to close to $2 billion in Chinese investments in the Philippines are expected to be signed during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?s short and abbreviated attendance at the 2007 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) which kicked off Friday in this scenic coastal town off China?s southernmost province of Hainan.
The President, who is due to arrive at the nearby Haikou International Airport via chartered Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila early Saturday morning, will highlight her 12-hour stay here by witnessing the signing of four landmark agreements in education, telecommunications, agriculture and energy. Government officials, led by Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, will represent the country in the agreements.
Former President and newly reelected BFA Chairman Fidel V. Ramos will welcome President Arroyo upon her arrival at the International Convention Center (ICC) here, minutes before the official opening and welcome rites for dignitaries attending the three-day conclave where the President is one of the speakers at the plenary session.
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the standing committee of the National People?s Congress of the People?s Republic of China, will call on the President at the ICC after the plenary session.
This will be followed by the President?s bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Chaukat Aziz of Pakistan in the same venue.
The top honcho of United Parcel Service (UPS), the world?s biggest delivery firm, will also call on President Arroyo shortly before lunch at the ICC.
At the Haikou International Airport, ZTE Chair Hou Wei Ghui will similarly call on the Chief Executive before her return flight to Manila, capping her itinerary here. (OPS) davaotoday.com
