BOAO, China -- The Philippines gained yet another international recognition even before this year’s Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) could officially start here Saturday when former President Fidel V. Ramos was reelected Thursday to a fresh three-year term as chairman of the annual conference in this scenic seaside town off Hainan province.

Ramos, who has served in the same post for the past five years, expressed confidence that the Philippines’ active participation in the organization that counts world leaders, prominent businessmen and noted economists among its roster of attendees yearly, would be for the best interest of the country as it pushes for the establishment of an Asia-wide free trade area.

"Aside from its main objective of integrating Asia in the global arena, this forum also serves as a mechanism to enhance peace and security in the region," he said in an interview at the posh Sofitel Hotel where most of the delegates will be billeted.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is among the prominent personalities invited to the forum this year, is expected to arrive here early Saturday morning via a chartered Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila.

She will be among the keynote speakers who also include Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, and Nobel Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus. They are expected to discuss the emerging opportunities and accompanying challenges facing Asia now and in the future.

Ramos said the Philippines, being one of the 28 charter-member countries, is poised to take advantage of the globalization of the entire region because of the Filipinos’ proficiency in the English language which, he pointed out, is the language of international business.

"During President Arroyo’s visit here last year, she offered the country’s help in training Chinese to speak English which will be mutually beneficial to both countries," Ramos explained.

President Arroyo’s participation in this year’s forum is expected to further enhance the country’s role as a major political and economic player in the region, according to Ramos.

"I’m happy she’s coming here," he said. "Very important decisions are expected to come out of this forum considering that China is a major driver of economic growth in Asia, having replaced Japan."

The former President cited China's aggressive push for socio-cultural, economic and educational programs in the region which counts a third of the world’s population.

Ramos said he expects President Arroyo to go on with her cancelled visits to four Chinese provinces after the May elections in the Philippines.

"Once again, it will be to the best interest of the country, if she will push through with it," he said.

This former fishing village, with its generous sunshine, fresh air and scenic beaches has slowly developed in the last five years as a sprawling coastal resort due mainly to the annual Boao Economic Forum for Asia which has made it a permanent venue for the yearly conference since 2000.

The 86-square-kilometer tropical town with a population of 15,000 is in the spotlight anew as 1,300 political, business and cultural celebrities from all over the world, including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, are attending the three-day forum which kicked off Friday.

The President, who was a big hit as speaker in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos early this year, has been asked to participate anew in the opening plenary session of the Boao Forum along with Microsoft chair Bill Gates, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said the President brings to the Forum her expertise and strong grasp of regional and geo-political matters in her capacity as President and as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The topic of the opening plenary session is "Asia Driving Global Growth." Themes that run throughout the agenda include Asian economic dynamism and the need for innovation tempered by the recognition of the need for sustainable development including energy efficiency.

The Boao Forum for Asia is viewed as a platform for exchange of views among top leaders of government and businesses, aimed at providing decision makers with opportunities to have in-depth discussion and understanding of the most critical issues on the region's evolving agenda of sustained growth.

It also lists Wu Bangguo, chairman, Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People's Republic of China as a keynote speaker, and former President Fidel Ramos and Chey Tae Won, chairman of SK Group as individuals offering opening remarks.

The forum has geared up the local exhibition sector as more than 400 domestic and international conferences and exhibitions have been held here since 2000, said Wang Huiya, secretary of Boao's Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.

The President, who is due to arrive at the nearby Haikou International Airport via chartered Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila early Saturday morning, will highlight her 12-hour stay here by witnessing the signing of four landmark agreements in education, telecommunications, agriculture and energy. Government officials, led by Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, will represent the country in the agreements.

Former President and newly reelected BFA Chairman Fidel V. Ramos will welcome President Arroyo upon her arrival at the International Convention Center (ICC) here, minutes before the official opening and welcome rites for dignitaries attending the three-day conclave where the President is one of the speakers at the plenary session.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, will call on the President at the ICC after the plenary session.

This will be followed by the President’s bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Chaukat Aziz of Pakistan in the same venue.

The top honcho of United Parcel Service (UPS), the world’s biggest delivery firm, will also call on President Arroyo shortly before lunch at the ICC.

These commitments are testament to the progress we have made in enhancing our economic environment and the confidence of the international community in our country and economy.   

As President of the Philippines and Chair of ASEAN, I am also delighted at the opportunity to join some of the world’s business and government leaders at the Boao Forum in Hainan to engage in a meaningful dialogue about Asia’s economic dynamism and our region’s increasingly important role in driving global growth. 

Our participation in this pre-eminent leadership forum will also ensure that the Philippines continues to play an important role in promoting regional peace and security.