Forbes brings Global CEO confab to Mla

MANILA, Philippines - Forbes Media LLC is holding its Global CEO Conference in the Philippines in October as the country is seen as one of the most promising markets in the world.

In a statement yesterday, Forbes Media said the 15th annual Forbes Global CEO Conference will be held in Manila on Oct. 12 to 14 this year.

The conference which was launched in 2001 to gather the world’s most successful tycoons, entrepreneurs, CEOs and thought leaders is being held in the Philippines for the first time.

“We are delighted to bring the Forbes Global CEO Conference to the Philippines, one of the world’s most promising emerging markets. Manila is a fitting location to host our conference delegates, who are among the world’s most economically powerful business people,” Forbes Media CEO for Asia William Adamopoulos said.

This year’s conference will focus on visionary leadership or how companies can come up with a strategy to drive businesses forward.

It will also have discussions on various topics such as the world economy, investment strategies, energy, technology and innovation, emerging markets, leadership, succession and philanthropy.

The event is co-sponsored by SM Investments Corp., BDO Unibank Inc., International Container Terminal Services  Inc. (ICTSI), and San Miguel Corp.

“Forbes has a solid reputation for bringing CEOs together through its conferences and global thought leadership sessions. This will be an excellent opportunity to exchange views and ideas with other business leaders from around the world,” Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairperson of SM Investments Corp. and chairman of BDO Unibank said.

For his part, Enrique Razon Jr., chairman and president of ICTSI and chairman of Bloomberry Resorts Corp. which is behind the Solaire Resort and Casino, said the event will also be an opportunity for other business leaders to see what the Philippines has to offer.

“Not only is the Philippines economy going from strength to strength, because of factors such as a growing middle class, better infrastructure, and a positive outlook for regional trade, it is also one of the world’s most unique tourist destinations. As co-host, we are excited to welcome this year’s conference delegates to Solaire, the country’s first integrated resort in Entertainment City,” he said.

Ramon Ang, president and chief operating officer of San Miguel Corp., said the event is also expected to serve as a venue for business leaders to look into opportunities for partnerships.

“The Philippines has emerged as one of Asia’s brightest stars in recent years and we look forward to enabling other business leaders and foreign investors to better understand the country, navigate its business landscape and identify possible areas of cooperation,” he said.