(L-R) APO Secretary-General Shigeo Takenaka, Chairperson Kitayama, and Philippines President Arroyo

APO Secretary-General Shigeo Takenaka and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Chairman Teisuke Kitayama, accompanied by the local executive committee members of Eco-products International Fair (EPIF), paid a courtesy call on the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the evening of 9 June 2008.

The visit was made prior to the official press conference on EPIF 2009, which took place on the morning of 10 June. Mr. Kitayama, Chairperson of the EPIF Preparatory Committee, briefed President Arroyo on the progress of EPIF 2009 preparation and the President expressed great interest in the fair. The organizers of EPIF 2009, namely the APO, the Development Academy of the Philippines, Philippines Business for the Environment and the EPIF 2009 Advisory Committee of the Philippines held a press conference at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila announcing details of the 5th EPIF to be held in Manila on 19-22 March 2009.