Philippines leader sees rosy 2008 economy

---

MANILA, Dec 27 (AFP): President Gloria Arroyo said today she expects the Philippines economy to maintain its vibrancy in 2008 after posting growth in excess of seven per cent in the first nine months of 2007.
"We are filled with hope as the year ends and a new year begins. Our country is stable, strong and peaceful. Our economy is vibrant, the stock market is on a bull run and investments come pouring in," she said in a statement.
The growth rate of 7.1 per cent in the nine months to September is the highest in nearly 20 years.
Economists say Manila needs seven years of at least seven per cent gross domestic product growth to improve the lives of the 40 per cent of Filipinos who live on two dollars a day or less.
Arroyo said the government will devote the new year to bringing in investments, improving educational and public infrastructure, and bringing technology to the rural areas where most of the poor live.