By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Cognizant of the government’s thrust to enhance Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines to accelerate economic recovery and eventually achieve the pre-pandemmic forecast growth, the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines, Inc. (MCCI) successfully concluded its highly anticipated 2nd General Membership Meeting on October 17, 2023 at Berjaya Makati Hotel.
Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines, Inc. Chairman Edward Ling
With the theme of “Empowering Government Services Digitally,” the event served as a platform for key stakeholders to discuss and implement strategies aimed at elevating the Philippines’ ease of doing business ranking in the years to come.
MCCI Chairman Edward Ling, in his opening remarks, underlined the critical goal of elevating the country’s ease of doing business ranking. Chairman Ling emphasized MCCI’s steadfast commitment to reducing red tape, streamlining procedures, and empowering government services, with the full support and collaboration of Secretary Ernesto V. Perez from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and Undersecretary David L. Almirol, Jr. from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Secretary Ernesto V. Perez from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)
“MCCI will lead the EODB committee and work together with other foreign chambers for a better ease of doing business,” Ling declared. “We are dedicated to working closely with ARTA, and other government agencies to simplify processes and enhance the overall business experience in the country,” he said.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).Undersecretary David L. Almirol, Jr.
The meeting was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Bin Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia, the chamber’s patron, who expressed deep appreciation for the Chamber’s vision and initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines. The Ambassador offered staunch support for MCCI’s endeavors, recognizing their potential to create a more conducive business landscape in the country and strengthening the bilateral ties of Malaysia and the Philippines.
During the event, Secretary Ernesto V. Perez of ARTA elaborated on the significance and role of the ARTA Champion, emphasizing the strengthened partnership between MCCI and ARTA following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on September 7, 2023. This partnership enables MCCI to receive and coordinate complaints with ARTA, facilitating timely and effective resolutions.
Additionally, Undersecretary David L. Almirol, Jr. from DICT presented the eGov PH Super App, an integrated online platform offering centralized government services. The app covers a wide array of services, ranging from business permits and passport applications to job opportunities, healthcare, tourism, emergency services, transportation, eGov cloud, and eGov pay. It was highlighted that ongoing updates are being made as DICT collaborates with various government agencies, both local and national, to enhance the app’s functionality and scope.
The meeting culminated with an insightful presentation by EMBM Services’ President and CEO Ma. Cristina L. Oreta, and Wendy Leong, CEO and Founder of Mobiva Systems, shedding light on their digital solutions that empower public service and foster a more connected future.
The event witnessed a gathering of distinguished guests, MCCI members, representatives from the private sector, and representatives from the media, signifying the collective effort and commitment toward digital empowerment and the facilitation of a conducive business ecosystem in the Philippines.
For more information on the MCCI’s initiatives and upcoming events, please visit www.malaysiachamberph.com.