A TOP official of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging small businesses to take advantage of the government’s infrastructure program, saying the P8-trillion infrastructure spending will also usher in the golden age of entrepreneurship.
PCCI president Ma. Alegria “Bing” Sibal-Limjoco reiterated the chamber’s appeal to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to prepare themselves and their businesses for opportunities arising from government’s massive infrastructure program.
“This golden age of infrastructure is also a golden age of the MSMEs. This massive infrastructure building will naturally boost businesses,” said Limjoco. “There will be so many businesses that will be spurred, even outside of Metro Manila.” The PCCI chief said the organization has been accommodating several courtesy visits from foreign investors, which she said is a reflection of confidence and optimism in the Philippines.
“There are so many investors eyeing to do business in the Philippines and our MSMEs have to be ready for these,” she said.
A delegation from the PCCI recently joined President Rodrigo Duterte in his state visit to South Korea.
Limjoco said that during the trip, PCCI and the Philippines-Korea Economic Council signed a memorandum of agreement with the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business to strengthen economic and trade ties.
The parties agreed to promote, strengthen and expand trade, economic, scientific, technological cooperation and other business relations between concerned organizations and firms of both parties.
They, likewise, agreed to exchange information about commerce, industry market updates and identify business and trade opportunities focusing on SMEs.
Other markets that have signified interest in the country are Chile, the Middle East, Europe, Sweden, and Switzerland, said Limjoco.
Moreover, the PCCI chief welcomed the enactment of the Ease of Doing Busines bill into a law, saying that streamlined government processes would improve the country’s attractiveness to investors.
“We are sending a message that we are changing the way we do things,” said Limjoco.
The law, recently signed by President Duterte, mandates government agencies to comply with prescribed processing times. (KOC)