PES to host gathering of Asian economists on Nov. 9 to 10

THE PHILIPPINE Economic Society (PES) is set to host the Federation of ASEAN Economic Associations (FAEA) conference on “Growing ASEAN: Cooperation and Competition Amidst Disruption” at Novotel Manila, Quezon City on Nov. 9 to 10.

The two-day conference will bring together top economists in Asia to discuss the impact of disruptive elements, such as disruptive technologies and the resurgence of protectionism, on Southeast Asian countries and the country-level and regional responses of these countries as they work toward creating a highly integrated, competitive, resilient, and inclusive economy.

On the first day of the conference, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada will deliver the keynote address on “Technology and Inclusion.” His lecture will be followed by a plenary discussion featuring Philippine Competition Commission Chair Arsenio Balisacan, Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II, Nanyang Technological University Professor Euston Quah, and Asian Institute of Management Professor Erika Fille Lagare.

The second day’s keynote remarks on “Principled Populism: The Road from Disruption to Cooperation” will be given by Dr. James Roumasset, Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Hawaii. The ensuing plenary discussion includes Waseda University Professor Toshi Arimura, Bank of Thailand Board Member Suthad Setboonsarng, Competition Consulting Asia Head Ian Mcewin, and University Professor Emmanuel de Dios.

In addition to the plenary sessions, parallel sessions spread over the two-day conference will cover a wide range of economic topics, including economics of disaster, migration and social protection, population aging, aviation industry issues, environmental and energy policies, women’s economic well-being and participation, institutions, trade and technology, and rice technology and market power.

Ahead of this regional conference, the PES will hold its annual meeting and conference on the theme “Towards a High Growth Economy in the ASEAN: Managing Expectations, Creating Policy Spaces, and Sustaining Reforms.” Australian National University Professor

Hal Hill will deliver the keynote address.

PES annual conferences are held every second week of November as part of its observation of the Economic and Financial Literacy Week, which is mandated under Republic Act No. 10922. PES is expected to lead private sector efforts in improving the level of economic and financial understanding of the Filipino public.

The FAEA Conference and the PES Annual Meeting and Conference are organized in partnership with the ADB, Investing in Women (an initiative of the Government of Australia), and De La Salle University-School of Economics.

To register for the conference, visit

For more information, call 929-2671 or e-mail to: pes.eaea@gmail.com.