GMA set for another trip abroad

MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo is scheduled to leave next week for a nine-day trip to Japan and Brazil to seek more investments and strengthen ties with the two countries.

Mrs. Arroyo will visit Tokyo, Japan from June 17 to 20 and proceed to Brazil from June 22 to 25, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said yesterday.

While in Tokyo, she is scheduled to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and meet with members of the Filipino community as well as hold dialogues with various business groups.

The President is also expected to deliver a major speech on efforts to address the global economic slump in a forum hosted by Nikkei.

“Japan is a very important trading partner for the country. There are also many overseas Filipino workers in Japan, and the President is also expected to discuss the positive effects of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement,” Ermita said in a news briefing.

From Tokyo, Mrs. Arroyo will proceed to the capital of Brazil, Brasilia, for a state visit.

She will have a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luis da Silva. But before going to Brasilia, she will stop by the city of Recife, where she is scheduled to visit the Port of Suape, which is operated by Filipino firm International Container Terminal Services Inc. – Paolo Romero