American-led companies in the Philippines are backing up the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business here by cutting on red tape.
In a statement, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on Nov. 15, making the Washington-based business group the newest so-called "ARTA Champion."
This will allow USABC to advocate for ARTA's mandate of promoting regulatory efficiency as well as streamlining government processes under Republic Act (RA) No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law, it noted.
"USABC will collaborate closely with ARTA to address business challenges and promote ARTA's programs to improve the country's ease of doing business," it said.
"Through this role, USABC will provide ARTA with critical insights that can drive meaningful changes in the regulatory landscape," it added.
"This partnership with ARTA reflects our shared commitment to advancing regulatory reforms and improving the business environment in the Philippines. By being an ARTA Champion, USABC strengthens our resolve to promote investments and contribute to the country's economic growth," the group's senior vice president and regional managing director Brian McFeeters said.
For his part, ARTA Director-General, Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, was quoted by USABC as saying that their MOU will not only further strengthen relations between these two organizations but also widen the agency's network with its partner-associations.
"The partnership is a significant step towards enhancing public-private cooperation and builds on the commitment of both ARTA and USABC to facilitate an environment champions operational efficiency and supports the Philippines' efforts to remain competitive on the global stage," the statement read.