THE country’s largest business network is gathering over 1,000 local and international firms for its annual conference to discuss the future of the private sector under a digital economy.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will be holding the 45th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) from October 16 and 17 in Manila Hotel. The conference, themed “Enabling Business in a Digital Economy,” will assess the dynamics of a digitally fueled economy and how it impacts on people’s growth and business sustainability.
The PCCI expects over 1,000 delegates—business officials, industry leaders, policymakers, diplomats, international chambers, among others—in the two-day event that will be capped by a meeting with President Duterte.
The PCCI will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the Departments of Agriculture, and of Trade and Industry for the Aspire Project. Aspire, or Agribusiness support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions, harmonizes efforts from both the public and private sector to improve the market access of small farmers.
These efforts include educating farmers about the demand, standards and delivery preferences of buyers; sharing market knowledge; organizing trade fairs; holding seminars on negotiation skills; and preparing them for business matching and investment forums.
Impact of ‘FIRE’
PBC Chairman William S. Co wants the delegates to see how the fourth industrial revolution, or the age of the digitization, will impact the Philippines and the global setting. As much as the digital economy promises to bring opportunities, Co said it also poses risks and uncertainties to growth and sustainability.
PCCI President Maria Alegria Sibal Limjoco added the digitization of the economy is inevitable, and businesses should learn how to cope with the changes it will bring about.
“Business is really going digital and [it is] inevitable. That is why we are having this discussion and we invited renowned local and international experts in the field of digital economy and technology innovation to share their thoughts, experiences, and tips on how business can survive and thrive in a dynamically changing environment,” Limjoco said.
Among the issues that will be tackled in the conference are the future of business in the fourth industrial revolution, and the future of jobs and the need to upskill the labor force.
Over the last four decades, the PBC has served as a platform for PCCI members and partners both from the government and the private sector to talk about issues affecting businesses here. At the end of the conference, it is expected the PCCI will come up with policy recommendations to improve the business environment in the Philippines.