The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has expressed its willingness to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) of foreign chambers of commerce to expand the reach of the country's Ease of Doing Business (EODB) law to the business sector and the economy.

ARTA director-general Secretary Ernesto Perez said this as he attended the JMC meeting of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (DCCP), the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (NordCham), and the Philippines-Norway Business Council (PNBC) at the German Club Manila on July 27.

In a statement on Friday, Aug. 11, the ARTA said Perez was keen on the partnership with the foreign chambers of commerce to expand the benefits of the EODB Law.

He assured the Chambers of Commerce representatives that the country's streamlining efforts are aimed at making the government more efficient.

"Aside from the support of the private sector, we are also very thankful that our streamlining and digitalization efforts are being recognized and supported by President Marcos as they align with his directives to improve bureaucratic efficiency in the country," Perez said.

Along with the programs and initiatives, Perez highlighted ARTA's milestones in its streamlining and digitalization drive among local government units (LGUs), contributing to higher business tax revenue and business registration in the localities.

He likewise presented the notable results of ARTA's public-private partnerships in streamlining regulations in several sectors that significantly impact the economy, such as the telecommunications, energy, logistics, housing, health, food, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure sectors.

PNBC President Carl Martin Faannessen expressed appreciation as he lauded ARTA for improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

"ARTA, and its work, is important to all of our members, spanning mostly the maritime and energy sectors," Faannessen said.

Michael Reauber, Chairman and Group CEO of Royal Cargo, Inc., likewise commended ARTA for removing red tape and addressing corruption.

"When red tape is gone, and corruption is gone, then we have an environment for ease of doing business," he said.