By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

Recommendations resulting from the National Economic Symposium will be vital in the ongoing review of the Compact of Free Association.
The symposium which will be held on from Feb. 19 to 23 will bring together national leaders, international experts and consultants from various industries, governments and organizations to share economic trends and global issues that would impact Palau’s economic development.
The symposium formally opens on Feb. 19 with an open forum between the Palau leadership and the community.
During the Feb. 19 session, the Compact Review Commission will have a panel presentation and floor discussions.
On Feb. 20-21, group sessions will tackle various topics which include the state of the economy, security, environment, education and health among others.
On Feb. 22, the symposium officially opens with ceremonies and plenary presentations on the topics of economy, society and security of Palau.
Guest speakers during the symposium include Philip Erquiga, Director General of the Asian Development Bank –Pacific Department.
The four-day symposium will be held at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center.
The symposium will focus on the sustainable economic development of the country, "integrating economy, environment, and social behavior for the next 15 to 20 years.
The CRC was established to look into the strength and weakness of the Compact which will be up for renegotiations on Sept. 2009.
The recommendations gathered by the commission will be used by the renegotiating team on 2009.
The CRC is urging the public to attend and participate in the session saying that the public’s inputs are very significant in the economic development of Palau.
The CRC is headed by former president Kuniwo Nakamura.