Manila, March 24 -- The Philippines' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, held twice annually, is vital not only in pushing the agenda of greater trade and peace within and beyond the region, a public policy analyst said on Tuesday.

"The Summit brings different countries together. It shows a possibility for greater trade, investment partnership not only with ASEAN, but more especially for the chair, which is the Philippines," Stratbase ADRI President Dindo Manhit said in a forum in Makati City.

"I see something positive when we host these things, when we bring leaders, not only of ASEAN but its partners, to the country. So, there is value to having these summits continue," he added.

Beyond the benefits ...