Philippine Partners Praise Strong Growth, Call for More Focus on Poverty Reduction

Many of the international development partners were impressed by the open, free and constructive and substantive discussions among government, development partners, civil society and the private sector. “Today, we see the success of the PDF as it continues to stimulate a healthy debate among all sectors of Filipino society and set priorities in the development agenda. We are here as friends of the Philippines, ready to support the efforts of the Government and other partners in sustaining growth and making this matter for poor Filipinos,” said Bert Hofman, Co-Chairperson of PDF 2008 and Country Director of World Bank Philippines.

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The 2008 Philippines Development Forum or PDF 2008, was held on March 26-27, 2008 in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines under the chairmanship of the Government of the Philippines (represented by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves), with the World Bank as co-chair (represented by Philippines Country Director Bert Hofman). The theme for the PDF 2008 was “Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Deepening Fiscal Stability.” The PDF is an interactive and participatory forum where different stakeholders from the national and local governments, civil society, academic, business groups, and the international development community, discuss possible actions and agree on specific outcomes to the main reform challenges of the country. The PDF 2008 was attended by delegations from Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The international organizations which participated in the meeting included the Asian Development Bank, European Commission, International Monetary Fund, various United Nations Agencies and the World Bank Group. The last PDF meeting for the Philippines was held on March 8-9, 2007 in Cebu City, Philippines.

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For further information, please visit www.pdf.phand www.worldbank.org.ph

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