The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said this year’s 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) would look into how the new government will build on various economic reform measures initiated by the previous administration to strengthen the country’s economic gains.
The PCCI said in a news statement issued on Friday that one of the highlights of the conference is the presentation of policy recommendations to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
“This year’s PBC&E will feature plenary sessions with local and international speakers and a dialogue with the country’s top economic managers who are expected to share their insights on the socio-economic agenda of the new administration,” the business group said.
Topping the list of confirmed speakers are Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, National Economic Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan Uy and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Huang Xilian, among others.
The conference, which will be held from October 19 to 29 at the Manila Hotel, carries the theme “The Philippines is ready and open for business,” which, PCCI said, highlights the readiness of Philippine business to fully open up and help the economy grow and move towards achieving its 2040 vision of Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay.
Leading this year’s 48th PBC&E is Ferdinand Ferrer, Chairman/CEO of EMS Group of Companies.
“We are extremely excited to announce that PBC&E this year will be in full face-to-face. We want to send the message across that the business community is serious to get back on track and help the government sustain its growth momentum,” Ferrer said.
Apart from looking into how the new administration will build on the economic reform measures initiated by the previous administration, Ferrer said the conference also aims to hear from the new administration’s plans to “solidify its leadership position in Asean and make a real difference to the economy and the Filipino people.”
The PBC&E is PCCI’s annual business event that serves as a venue for policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, academe, and micro, small, and medium enterprises to meet and discuss issues and come up with policy recommendations to help create a business environment that is sustainable and resilient. -30-