The Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) pushes for the issuance of an investment priority act that will support the proposed Greater Manila Bay Area.
In a forum in Quezon City yesterday, FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro called for government backing in creating this special zone which he said can become a model for other regions in attracting businesses, regardless of size.
The concept follows China’s
GGuangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area that started in Shenzhen. The area prospered and eventually, the Greater Bay Area covered more municipalities and regions.
“Metro Manila is congested. We should open Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga,” he said, referring to the areas covered by the proposed Greater Manila Bay Area.
“ We have to give focus on investments as these create jobs. (The Greater Manila Bay Area) should be open to all businesses. However, it should ensure ease of doing business is present,” Pedro said.
“(Processes) should be free flowing, no red tape and hindrances and roadblocks,” he added.
He said when the Greater Bay Area started in Shenzhen, China accommodated all businesses and provided alll the assistance needed so companies can immediately operate once they invest.
Pedro said here, there should be a special committee or government agency to make sure investing in the Greater Manila Bay Area will be easy.
He added the Philippines should be able to capture businesses from western companies leaving China.
“(These investments) go to Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. They need to come here. We have good engineers, technicians. Everything is available here,” Pedro said.
But he noted the Philippines should focus on a special area or region where businesses are easy to monitor and control.
Eventually, once this area prospers, investments will go to Visayas and Mindanao.
“This will be a model of excellence, a model of corruption-free or minimized corruption Government should support this,” Pedro said.
