Phl shortlists 8 cities for hosting APEC summit 2015

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government has shortlisted eight cities and destinations as possible venues for high-level meetings when the Philippines hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015, an official said today.

Foreign Undersecretary Laura del Rosario said the shortlisted sites, including Metro Manila and Clark, are under serious consideration. This list will be evaluated again to ensure its readiness to host the meetings.

"The cities that were reviewed have passed the initial requirements based on certain criteria - security, cleanliness, and accessibility," she said.

Criteria for selection of venues also include facilities and infrastructure, power and water conditions, and medical services availability.

The APEC summit, which would include leaders from the U.S., Japan and China, will be held in the Philippines in November 2015. A number of preparatory meetings in the ministerial and senior official levels will be held throughout the year in the run up to the summit.

The APEC leaders' meeting, said to be the biggest and most high- profile annual gathering of world leaders from 21-member economies, will be hosted by President Benigno S. Aquino III before he ends his term in June 2016.

Preparations including security and logistical requirements are being laid out as early as this year, Del Rosario said.