Purisima congratulates fellow economic officials

MANILA, Philippines - Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima extended his congratulations to a number of newly nominated and appointed economic officials today.

Purisima gave his thanks and well wishes to president Haruhiko Kuroda of the Asian Development Bank, who was nominated for the governorship of the Bank of Japan by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“As you prepare to depart your position as president of the Asian Development Bank, I want to let you know that we in the Philippines will not forget the positive impact of your presidency. The ADB’s assistance played a large role in helping the Philippines and most of Asia not merely survive, but thrive through the financial crises that challenged most of the world,” Purisima said to Kuroda in a letter.

Purisima also congratulated incoming US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who was confirmed to the position by the US Senate last Wednesday.

“In these challenging economic times, the US Treasury Secretary is a position that shapes destinies across the entire world. I have faith that you will be able to guide the US and the world with wisdom, and I wish you a smooth transition as you assume your duties,” Purisima wrote to Lew.

At the same time, Purisima thanked outgoing US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, whose term ended Jan. 25, 2013. Geithner had served as Treasury Secretary since 2009 and had met with Purisima on several occasions. During his term, the US undertook several development initiatives in the Philippines, such as the Partnership for Growth, the increase in assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corp., and other forms of technical and financial assistance from the US Treasury.

“I want to let you know the Filipino people have felt and will remember the impact that your term had on our country. We wish you the best in all future opportunities you pursue,” Purisima wrote.

Finally, Purisima congratulated his Indonesian counterpart, Finance Minister Agus Matawardojo, who was nominated to lead Indonesia’s central bank by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“In these challenging economic times for the world, our countries are often compared as leading a new crop of ‘Asian Tigers.’ Your stewardship of Indonesia’s finances played a major role in your country’s strides forward, and I consider it an honor for the Philippines to be ranked alongside Indonesia,” Purisima said.