PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government has already made significant gains in removing the business roadblocks which were cited by the private sector.
Marcos made the comment at the oath-taking of the new set of officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) in Malacañang on Wednesday.
Among the concerns of FFCCCII and other business groups which were addressed by the government were the improvement of tax administration and fiscal incentives system as well as streamlining existing regulatory mechanisms “through expedited and integrated processes and digitalization of key government services,” he said.
“We have initiated many steps and adjustments to address those challenges,” Marcos said.
The feedback from the private sector has been crucial for the government to “improve business climate and foster ease and efficiency of doing business,” according to the President.
He specifically thanked the FFCCCII not only for contributing to the country’s economic growth, but also for its humanitarian efforts, especially in the pandemic.
“I remember it was the Filipino-Chinese communities that were first able to source some of the vaccines that were coming out of China,” Marcos said.
Likewise, he pointed out the business group also helped improve the country’s diplomatic relations with China.
“It’s worth noting that even before the formalization of our diplomatic ties with China, the Federation has already been a positive influence in our friendly relations,” Marcos said.
FFCCCII President Cecilio K. Pedro led the federation’s new set of officers for 2023-2025, who were inducted during their audience with the President.
FFCCCII is the country’s largest organization of Filipino-Chinese businesses with more than 170 member organizations.
Image credits: Contributed photo