ECCP seeks ties with LGUs

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) seeks to help local government units (LGUs) improve their ability to attract businesses, thus decentralizing economic progress.

This move was in line with President Duterte’s 10-point economic agenda, which calls for stronger regional productivity and decentralization of investments from the cities to the rural areas.

Through regular dialogues, the ECCP hopes to deepen its partnerships with LGUs; provide a platform for enhancing communication; and establish closer public-private collaboration between the business sector and LGUs.

“We believe that the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the administration can be achieved only with the active participation of the local government units. We consider LGUs as key players to create an enabling competitive environment for business expansion at the local level, particularly for creating jobs as a desired consequence,” ECCP president Guenter Taus said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, ECCP senior advocacy adviser Henry Schumacher added that the business sector had to work together with the LGUs to promote industry outside the usual urban centers.

“The government is looking at decentralization and regionalization. We have started it. Federalism or not, this is how we can empower local governments. This is how we can basically create better opportunities in the regions where investments can go. We have to understand that we have to drive more investments in Visayas and Mindanao. There are certain areas where only the minimum of infrastructure is available and [we have to] see to it that the LGUs there are effective in driving and supporting business,” Schumacher said.

“(Local Government) Undersecretary Austere Panadero has invited the ECCP to become part of a monthly dialogue and that makes a big difference. Now, we can ask our members who face challenges or see opportunities with LGUs to join these constructive interactions,” Schumacher added.

The ECCP has about 800 member companies operating nationwide.