REDUCING RED TAPE. (From left) German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke; GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer, GPCCI president Stefan Schmitz, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez; and ARTA Deputy Director General for Legal Geneses Abot sign a memorandum of understanding during the 2023 Ease of Doing Business Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Wednesday (Nov. 29, 2023). The MOU focuses on sharing best practices and strengthening efforts to simplify processes and reduce bureaucratic red tape. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)
MANILA – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is partnering with the German and Nordic business groups in the Philippines to further promote ease of doing business in the country.
ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the representatives of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham) on Wednesday in Pasay City.
The MOU, which designates both GPCCI and NordCham as ARTA champions, will focus on sharing best practices and strengthening efforts to simplify processes and reduce bureaucratic red tape.
GPCCI president Stefan Schmitz said the GPCCI would organize information sharing events and participate in policy discussions to ensure the business sector’s recommendations would be heard.
“We look forward to a future of increased efficiency, transparency and growth in the business sector. This collaboration is more than just an agreement on paper, it is a proactive step towards creating a more dynamic and competitive business landscape in the Philippines,” he said.
“By combining German expertise and innovation with Filipino resilience and ingenuity, we are set to make significant strides in making the Philippines a more attractive destination for investors."
German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke is also optimistic the MOU would contribute to a stronger German-Philippine economic relations.
“Germany is a reliable partner for the Philippines, has always been a reliable partner and will be a reliable partner in the future. I’m sure this MOU will contribute to improve our exchange, our trade, and the business climate in the Philippines,” he said.
NordCham president Bo Lundqvist also emphasized his group’s commitment to work with ARTA in enhancing the overall investment climate in the Philippines.
“Efficient government services have been a key pillar of the economic growth and public-private partnerships in our Nordic countries,” he said.
“The trust in government services is also one of the key factors that make the Nordic people among the happiest in the world. We wish the same for the Philippines,” he added.
ARTA previously signed similar MOUs with the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines.
Under the MOU, ARTA "champions" can receive complaints in relation to Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 and endorse them to ARTA for action.
PCCI-ARTA deal
ARTA on Wednesday also signed an MOU with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) focused on promoting transparency between government agencies and Filipino businesses.
Upon signing the deal, PCCI president George Barcelon said he sees increased engagements between ARTA and its network of local chambers across the country.
“We want to strengthen it and hopefully mas regular ‘yong mga meetings namin with ARTA on a regional basis. Dito sa national madalas naman kami (hopefully meetings will be more regular with ARTA on a regional basis. Here at the national level it already is),” he said in an interview.
PCCI has at least 123 local chambers nationwide led by area vice presidents and 19 regional governors. (PNA)
