Philippine President Calls on ASEAN to Focus on Trade, TourismPhilippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday urged ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member-states to give greater focus on trade and tourism, a presidential palace press release said.Increased cooperation in the fields of trade and tourism will further enhance the growth and progress among the 10 ASEAN countries, Arroyo told the ASEAN officials led by Dato Haji Yahya Harris of Brunei, who called on her at the presidential palace Wednesday afternoon. ASEAN has formally launched the "Visit ASEAN Campaign" last month in Brunei that aims to promote the 10 countries of Southeast Asia as a single tourism destination. "It is important that we have good cooperation. I hope we can be together all the time because our partnerships have been very beneficial," Arroyo said. The President also noted the timely launching of the e-ASEAN Agreement and pledged the Philippines' active role in this project. The agreement provides for, among others, the commitment of ASEAN member-countries to implement program that would narrow the digital divide in the region and enhance ASEAN's competitiveness in information technology. The ASEAN groups Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. |
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