The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen joint initiatives and collectively contribute to a sound business environment that fosters economic growth and prosperity.
The MOU seeks to strengthen the joint efforts of ECCP and ARTA towards ease of doing business, as well as a multi-stakeholder approach towards further improving the Philippine business climate.
“Through this partnership, we aspire to be more active in advocating for ease of doing business in the Philippines, leveraging our platform to raise awareness among our members and partners. The ECCP, in endorsing the concerns of its members, will help ensure that the Anti-Red Tape Authority remains responsive to the needs of the business community,” said ECCP President Paulo Duarte.
As an ARTA Champion, the ECCP and its members will serve as a partner institution of the agency, and as a liaison for the European-Philippine business sector. The Chamber is authorized to receive complaints from the business sector, professionals, and civil society organizations, and relay these concerns to the proper ARTA channels in bid to help streamline processes.
Moreover, the Chamber also reaffirms its commitment to provide valuable policy recommendations and participating in stakeholder dialogues to foster a dynamic and responsive regulatory environment.
For the Anti-Red Tape Authority, the partnership signifies a powerful step forward in the collective pursuit of ease of doing business in the Philippines.
“The Anti-Red Tape Authority is dedicated to utilizing a whole of society approach to improve the country’s bureaucratic efficiency and convert or replace red tape to a red carpet for investments, fostering a conducive business environment,” stated ARTA Director General Hon. Ernesto Perez.
“We believe that by working together with esteemed organizations like the ECCP, we can unlock the full potential of the Philippines and contribute to the realization of a progressive Bagong Pilipinas.
In his speech, delivered by Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin outlined the six priority strategies of the Philippine government – digitalisation, public-private partnership, certification, dynamic innovation ecosystem, connectivity, and collaboration. Executive Secretary Bersamin also endorsed the ECCP in its efforts to strengthen partnerships with government entities such as the ARTA.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with ARTA is indeed an initiative we welcome as it is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan of 2023 to 2028, which embodies the strategies of the government for the overall growth of the nation,” stated Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr.
“We know the collaboration with ARTA is just one of the many projects we can do together and we are excited for what is in store ahead,” he added.
In January, the ECCP also released its Doing Business in the Philippines Guidebook. The annual guidebook aims to serve as a valuable resource, helping potential and existing investors make informed decisions and seize opportunities in the Philippines.
