P-Noy set to leave for first overseas trip in 2013

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno S. Aquino III will be flying to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The trip will be Aquino's first foreign trip for 2013, and will run from January 23 to 27, according to the country's official gazette.

The  Forum is a non-profit international organization "committed to improving the state of the world."

Headquartered in Switzerland, the Forum hosts an annual meeting of world leaders, policy makers, business and economic experts, and renowned members of the academe every January in Davos.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino will have the opportunity to discuss issues with global business leaders and once again promote the Philippines as a business and investment site.

Valte added that Aquino will also give a keynote speech at the Partnership against Corruption event where he will share the Philippine efforts in eliminating corruption in the country.

Accompanying Aquino are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregor Domingo, among others.

Aquino will also meet with the Filipino community in Zurich before returning to Manila, Valte said.