WITH the current administration nearing its conclusion, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling for more “economic activism” on the part of the government, listing 10 priority measures that can aid recovery from the pandemic.
The business group is hoping that its proposed policy resolutions will be put into action by the government, to not only recover but build back a more resilient and sustainable economy, as well. The wish list is set to be unveiled today (Thursday) during the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&A).
First, the business group wants full reopening of the economy even before achieving Covid-19 herd immunity to revive the economy. This, as it urged the government to assist the business sector to generate new jobs while maintaining the existing ones. PCCI cited a need to fully implement the law on ease of doing business in the country.
It is calling for the modernization of agriculture and boosting of food security. The business group wants to fast-track the Internet connectivity at competitive rates in the country while digitizing the education system. Related to this is the institutionalization of innovation for economic development of the country. PCCI stresses the urgency of protecting the environment and reducing the carbon footprint, which is in line with promotion of a sustainable economy.
The government needs to assure the public that the country has “reliable and affordable power supply to sustain economic recovery and accelerate industrialization post-Covid-19 to retain and create new jobs,” PCCI noted.
Lastly, the private sector group urges the government to accelerate the construction of the infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build program. This, as it calls for transparency in the bids and awards of contracts.
“We will not concede this projected future amid all the grim outlook from many sectors. We, at PCCI, believe we still have what it takes for a nation to become one of the most robust economies in the world. The Philippine business sector will lead this change,” PCCI President Benedicto Yujuico said.
47th PBC&E Chairman Jeffrey T. Ng said these measures are not only addressed to the current administration but to the “aspiring new leaders” of the country, as well.
“What we continue to battle head-on is a complex social, economic, and health challenges and there are no magic bullets,” he said. “While there are, no doubt, many other proposals on the table, we offer these resolutions containing doable recommendations, proposed legislations and executive actions to guide our economic recovery and bring into the fore those who are in danger of being left behind as we bounce back from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Image courtesy of Nonoy Lacza