The business and industry sector attending the “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang tungo sa Kaunlaran” consultative workshop between businessmen and the incoming administration’s economic managers on June 19 to 20 asked for business tax reforms and a national ID system and other measures from government to support private sector initiatives.
Other measures they recommended were:
- Further ease in doing business;
- The improvement of telecommunications and internet services;
- The delivery of support services to farmers such as financing, technology and logistics;
- The implementation of responsible mining, with local value-added such as processing, while limiting raw ore exports;
- The development of regional industries while equipping the local workforce with necessary skills;
- The improvement of transport networks across the country to foster connectivity;
- A review of the conditional cash transfer program, as it promotes dependency on the government; and
- The speedy implementation of public-private partnership and infrastructure projects as well as respecting the sanctity of contracts.
In his response, incoming president Rodrigo Duterte assured the businessmen that the recommendations would be studied by his economic team, even as the team begins to focus on what could be done soonest.
The economic managers also warned against any effort by the business sector to corrupt government officials.
“You expect us not to be corrupt. Can we expect you not to corrupt us?” incoming Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
Tugade also assured them that the incoming administration would respect the sanctity of contracts.
The consultations were held to flesh out the 10-point economic agenda of the new administration aimed at reducing poverty while fostering inclusive growth.
Photo credits: www.sunstar.com.ph