The Philippines is one of 37 Asian countries cited by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as "either suffering from low levels of water security, or have barely begun to engage in the essential task of improving water security." In 2013 the ADB said local public utilities responsible for providing water and sanitation services to local communities "were found to lack capacity in all aspects of sustainability, including effective functioning, financing and demand responsiveness."
According to ECCP Vice President Henry Schumacher, "the country needs the involvement of international contractors to bring latest technologies into the country".
The Nordic Business Council of the Philippines (NBCP) said the growing number of European business chambers is a sign of increased interests in the country.
A Harvard University climate, energy and health program leader claims the use of renewable energy (RE) can provide substantial health benefits. Speaking before the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Energy Smart Forum, dubbed Powering Health: A Forum on the Health Benefits of Renewable Energy,Dr. Jonathan Buonocore said his group has quantified the health and environmental benefits from the efficient use of energy.
The government has applied political will to implement reforms towards inclusive growth but conceded such progress cannot be attained within the term of President Aquino.
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has identified key reforms it intends to pursue this year to help boost the country's information and communications technology sector (ICT).
"If the Philippines wants to continue growing the economy, the lack of infrastructure needs to be addressed. This can only be done with the involvement of international contractors that will bring latest technologies to the country," Schumacher said.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE partnership, or PPP, has basically been understood as a joint venture between the private sector and the government to build infrastructure. Unfortunately, little effort has been undertaken by both the government and the private sector to see PPP as an avenue to discuss issues constructively and with the intention to jointly find and implement solutions.
Two priority economic measures were ratified by the House of Representatives and the Senate and are expected to be signed into law by President Aquino. Congressmen unanimously ratified the bicameral committee reports on the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Agricultural Smuggling Act.
The economy grew at its fastest pace in the final quarter of 2015, pushing full-year growth to a respectable but lower-than- target rate of 5.8 percent. The government's full-year target is 7.0 percent to 8.0 percent.
The exit of investors from China has marked the entry of the Philippines as the next big investment hub in Asia. The foreign business community in the Philippines sees the country as the apple of the eye in the region among investors despite persistent hurdles in infrastructure, Internet access and policy instability.
European businessmen expressed concern over the diminishing competitiveness of the country vis-Ã -vis its neighbors, which is exacerbated by the failure of the Philippines to forge bilateral deals with its major trading partners.
Serving the European-Philippine business community since 1978, the ECCP remains committed to enabling cross-sector collaboration, promoting economic growth, and championing a sustainable future. For inquiries or further information, you may contact us directly or connect with us through our official social media channels.