The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Retirement and Healthcare Coalition (RHC) will hold the 1st Retirement & Healthcare Summit in order to promote the country as an attractive retirement destination.

The project will be in partnership with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).  More than 120 domestic and international companies are expected to participate in the summit.

The ECCP said the program is set to push and promote the country to retirees worldwide and enable investors to provide services to the world's ageing population.

It aims to develop and implement a pro-active Philippine roadmap and present business opportunities in key growth areas within the industry.

The summit is expected to create alliances among hospitality, healthcare, and retirement companoes in the country and abroad.

The RHC is composed of the American, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers of commerce.

The coalition sees the Philippines as a provider of world class medical care and wellness whole having an excellent price-perfromance ratio.

Studies show that the world's ageing population will reach one billion by 2030 with 25 percent of them located in industrialized countries.

With the number of health workers in the United States, Europe, and Japan steadily declining, the Philippines has become a viable destination for the elderly as the country now offers world class hospitals and caregivers.

Industry experts attending the event include Burnsbridge Sweet chairman Tony Bridge, Ashiana Housing Ltd. vice president Atma Sharan, AMD Global Telemedicine Inc. president Steve Normadin, Home Healthcare managing director Mary Jean Guno, PRA general manager Veredigno Atienza, and Follosco Morallos & Herece managing partner Virgilio Herce.

Source: The Philippine Star; Business; 31 March 2011