Philippines hopes to learn from China's hosting of APEC summit

The Philippines is hoping to learn from China's experience in hosting this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting so that it can effectively handle the international event during its turn next year, a senior government official said Saturday. [Special coverage]

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview over a state-run radio station that quite a large number of the members of Philippine delegation will go to China this coming week to accompany President Benigno S. Aquino III.

"It will really be a very opportune experience for those of us in the Philippines who are helping out in the preparations for our hosting of APEC to see how China will execute Leaders'Week," said Valte, who will be part of the Philippine delegation to Beijing.

She said that when the Philippines hosts APEC summit in November next year, the government expects some 10,000 visitors in the country.

Valte said the Philippine government may also adopt a policy of encouraging people in the metropolis to take vacations during Manila's hosting of APEC.

Australia adopted such a strategy when it hosted APEC in 2007 and China may have a similar approach in decongesting the capital during the APEC summit.

Aquino will leave for Beijing on Nov. 9 and will stay there until Nov. 11 for the summit. After attending the APEC Summit, he will fly to Myanmar for the ASEAN Summit.

The Philippine hosting of APEC meeting next year will be its second since 1996.