What is the secret to running a successful presidency of the European Union? For Prime Minister José Socrates, who presided over Portugal's recent EU presidency, it was essential to have three main priorities well established: the reform of the European Union Treaty (known as the Treaty of Lisbon); modernization of the European economy and society; and reinforcement of Europe's role in the world. In this in-depth report, Strategic Media takes a look at the achievements of this country on Europe's Western coast with first hand experiences by public and private sector entities stepping up Portugal's global profile.

In the first nine months of last year, the Philippine economy managed to post a 7.1 percent GDP growth, the highest in almost 20 years. As a result, investors have been lining up to join the dynamic developments. Yet analysts have indicated the Southeast Asian state needs seven years of at least 7 percent growth in order to improve the lives of 40 percent of Filipinos living in poverty. Will President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's succeed in fulfilling this target during her last two years in office until the 2010 elections, as well as tackling regional development and infrastructure issues? Strategic Media reports on a country eyeing up its promising future prospects.