The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) wants closer cooperation with local government units (LGUs) to improve doing business at the local level.

The business group launched ECCP-LGU Business Forum, a new platform for European firms in the country to have regular dialogue with local government officials where they can discuss LGU-related business issues as well as collaborate on sustainable and inclusive growth in provinces, cities, and municipalities.

"It is time for the business sector to partner with LGUs. We realized that the business sector share common goals with the LGUs. We both want businesses to invest in localities. We both want local residents to find jobs in their localities so they do not have to migrate to urban areas. And we both want people to enjoy steady economic growth that is in pace or faster than the national growth," ECCP president Michael Raeuber said.

“More business and LGU dialogues are needed to better understand their perspective and to also make them aware of the business perspective in addressing business issues,” Raeuber added.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines were upbeat about having a regular dialogue and collaborating with the business group.

As the national government is undertaking reforms to enhance the investment climate in the country, various business groups -- including ECCP -- want reforms from LGUs to further ease doing business at the local level and for LGUs to attract more investments and create jobs.

Among ECCP’s concerns in doing business at the LGU level were mostly red tape, including business permits and approvals, integrity issues, unclear policies and regulations, taxes, penalties, and fees imposed by LGUs on businesses.

Once concerns are addressed and improved, the ECCP is keen to promote investments in infrastructure, health, water, energy, and waste management at the local level.

Source: Interaksyon