The European Union (EU), while acknowledging the efforts of the Philippines in cutting down red tape, said there is more that can be done to further ease doing business in the country.
“There’s a lot of potential to ease the business and investment environment in the Philippines,” said Philipp Dupuis, minister counsellor and head of the Economic Trade Section of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines.
Dupuis gave the EU’s message ahead of the ceremonial signing yesterday of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) authorizing the latter to receive complaints for endorsement to the former.
Dupuis said “companies still see too many requirements (such as) in licensing of products.”
“The state has the right to regulate, but there’s a point where the length of procedures (or the) burden of additional procedures becomes high for companies or citizens,” Dupuis said.
Dupuis also took note of the inclusion of the Philippines in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index which he said “what prospective investors see.”
“However, we also see the efforts of the government to address (red tape) issues. This is very encouraging and we’re committed to continue to make these efforts into fruition,” said Dupuis who welcomed the MOU between ECCP and ARTA.
Under the MOU, ARTA shall authorize ECCP to receive complaints from the business sector and the professionals for any violation of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act.
Paulo Duarte, ECCP president, said endorsing the concerns of the groups members will help ensure ARTA remains responsive to the needs of the business community.
This includes providing valuable policy recommendations and participating in stakeholder dialogues to foster a dynamic and responsive regulatory environment.
