22 September 2014 - Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro welcomed Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima to Milan who was on an official visit to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Finance Ministers Meeting on September 12 at the Milano Congressi in Milan.

The meeting gathered finance ministers representing 49 countries from Asia and Europe. The ministers pledged to take action in putting the world economy on a growth path. The European representatives also committed to achieving a balance of economic growth and fiscal consolidation, as the region prevents the risk of a deflation in the aftermath of the Eurozone crisis.

The meeting resulted in a communique stating that a “steady progress in the implementation of sound economic policies remains crucial to create the conditions for stronger growth over the medium term.” Further, it said that the Asian economy “has the potential to remain a robust growth driver for the global economy.”

The Philippine delegation was composed of National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon, Mr. Neil Adrian S. Cabiles and Mr. Evan Saunders L. Chen.

The ASEM Finance Ministers Meeting (FMM) is held every two years. Mongolia will host the next FMM in 2016. END