SINGAPORE: Singapore is set to host the next World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in October 2011. It is a biennial gathering of Chinese businessmen from around the world.

The announcement was made on Saturday in Manila where the convention was held this year.

Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo attended the hand-over ceremony that effectively made Singapore the next organiser.

Mr Yeo said: "We feel very honoured to host the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention a second time. It started in Singapore and 20 years after the first meeting, we have it back in Singapore.

"And it is a very auspicious year, because 2011 is also the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai revolution, a revolution which changed the mentality of the Chinese people and their destiny. So for us, it is an honour and a responsibility to host this meeting in Singapore."

Some 3,000 Chinese businessmen attended the two-day event, which focused on co-operation to weather the current financial crisis.

The participants also discussed ways for sustainable growth in private industries.

The first convention was first held in Singapore in 1991. - CNA/vm