MANILA, Philippines - Warmest greetings to the organizers and participants of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) with the theme, “World Prosperity Through Chinese Entrepreneurship.”
The hosting of the 10th WCEC is a great opportunity for the Philippines to show how our economy copes with the current global economic slowdown. My administration was able to cushion the impact of the economic slowdown with our bold fiscal reforms. Of course, we could not have been successful in implementing these reforms without the help of the Chinese business community.
I believe that entrepreneurship is not only the key to economic growth and stability but also the ultimate solution to poverty. I hope that in this convention, you can discuss new strategies, effective approaches, and feasible plans that can help expand both Chinese and Filipino businessmen. Keep up the good work and Mabuhay kayong lahat!
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
President, Republic of the Philippines
At a time when many parts of the world are reacting with fear to recent economic setbacks, the global Chinese entrepreneurial community is responding with positive steps. It continues to examine the opportunities that are present amid the difficulties of the economic landscape, and waits for the appropriate time to translate these opportunities into prosperity.
This is truly a manifestation of the genuine entrepreneurial spirit that has been exemplified by Chinese business communities all over the world. And this spirit is contagious. At no other time does the world need to be contaminated with this positive approach than today’s challenging times.
The 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention is expected to be a major showcase of this spirit.
And the Philippines is proud and honored to host this event.
I welcome all the participants and guests to this convention. I hope that your stay in our country will be a meaningful and memorable one.
I also thank and congratulate the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. for leading the preparations for the hosting of this event by the Philippines. Mabuhay!
NOLI “KABAYAN” DE CASTRO
Vice President, Republic of the Philippines
Let me convey my sincere and heartfelt greetings to the participants of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC). Moreover, let me also extend a warm welcome to our foreign guests and wish each one a fantastic and memorably stay in the Philippines.
The Philippines has a huge Filipino-Chinese population that has been contributing significantly to the national economy and to the betterment of the Philippine society. Hence, it is an honor and privilege for our country to host this convention.
In view of the global economic crisis that saw the collapse of some corporate giants abroad, this convention is a propitious occasion to generate novel ideas, compare experiences and formulate a common plan to address the infirmities of the global economy. This is also an excellent occasion to strengthen the ties and sense of belongingness among people of Chinese origin.
Let me congratulate the dynamic and indefatigable men and women behind this notable gathering. You have done an excellent job of bringing eminent persons from all over the world who will share their knowledge and expertise. I fervently hope that the fruition of your vision of achieving world prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship will start during this 4-day convention.
Good luck and Mabuhay!
JUAN PONCE ENRILE
Senate President
My warmest greetings to the participants and organizers of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) on November 19-22, 2009.
I truly admire the Chinese’s zest for entrepreneurship, not to mention your dedication and hard work, which has also inspired others to do well in their own ventures.
I expect this much-anticipated event will serve to foster cooperation and unity among Chinese entrepreneurs and business organizations around the globe. I am confident that this event shall also be an opportune time for you to consolidate your business communities even as you map out strategies in weathering the global economic recession, as reflected in your theme, “World Prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship.”
In our efforts to mitigate the deleterious effects of the global financial crunch, my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives vow to further strengthen current policies and programs related to job creation, promotion of entrepreneurship among Filipinos, economic reform and investment dispersal to the countryside.
Also, we have enacted measures that would catalyze the Filipino people’s optimum national productivity and development – as we strive to sustain growth and spread its benefits far and wide to the Filipino people. I call on the participants of this distinguished gathering to set your sights in doing business in the Philippines and with the Filipinos. Mabuhay!
PROSPERO C. NOGRALES
Speaker, House of Representatives
The year 2008 witnessed the outbreak of a global financial crisis that shook the world economy. The countries have been struggling to check the economic slowdown, and some of them even sustained unprecedented recession. The blow was also acutely felt by Chinese entrepreneurs all across the world. In the face of challenging moments, the governments reacted with contingent measures and stimulus packages. The Chinese economy bottomed out in 2009 and picked up in a stable manner. New changes and adjustments are dawning on the international financial and trade system, which may possibly mean new opportunities to all Chinese entrepreneurs.
The development and prosperity of Chinese entrepreneurs around the world are closely related to China’s economy. Chinese entrepreneurs have also significantly contributed to opening-up, reform, economic growth and social development of China. China’s economic growth has been steady, market expanding, reform and opening-up pressing ahead in depth. Especially notable is the fact that China’s economy is moving towards a balanced recovery out of the world economic crisis, which could be translated into strong support and great opportunities for Chinese entrepreneurs around the world to recover and prosper.
As contributive participants and important components to the world economy, Chinese entrepreneurs not only honor their business roots in their host countries and prosper with local partners in a complementary way, but also pool strength and support from a giant global network of Chinese, nourished by essence of Confucius wisdom, which render solid foundation and sustained vitality. As long as Chinese entrepreneurs join hands and live up to the long-cherished values of industry, sincerity, solidarity, coordination, courage and creation, tile difficulties would be overcome and the crisis would be transformed into opportunities. As phoenix gains nirvana, rebirth out of flames, it bodes well for Chinese entrepreneurs to enjoy great achievements and a brighter future.
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc, (FFCCCll) and Organizing Committee of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention has spared no efforts in organization and preparation since 2008. Under the theme of “World Prosperity through Chinese Entrepreneurship”, Chinese entrepreneurs around the world would be invited to this pageant in Manila, where a platform of communication and cooperation would be set up to renew your great endeavor to blaze a trail out of crisis. The success of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention will surely play a positive part in the recovery of the global economy and future prosperity of Chinese entrepreneurs around the world.
On this significant occasion, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the upcoming event and wish the Convention a complete success. My warm greetings also go to all the representatives of Chinese entrepreneurs and I wish everyone all the best.