ECCP strengthens its economic, biz ties via its flagship events in 2021

 MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) under the new leadership of President Lars Wittig remains committed to strengthen its economic and business ties with the European-Business community through its flagship programs and events lined up for this year.

In a virtual media roundtable discussion on August 25, Wittig revealed that one of the flagship events was the ECCP Energy Smart Forum Series which sessions were conducted on August 13, 19 and 31 that were all attended by the Department of Finance and Department of Energy, among others.

Wittig said that the Energy Smart Forum Series aimed to provide an avenue for discussions on how energy stakeholders can collaborate to achieve Philippine energy objectives, support business continuity and productivity, and access emerging business opportunities in the energy sector.

Given the complex issue of plastic pollution, the ECCP calls for the adoption of a tailor-fit approach based on thorough scientific studies and constructive dialogue with the industry instead of the unitary sweeping ban of plastics especially without the presence of affordable, viable alternatives, the Chamber said.

The ECCP also continues to strongly advocate for the imposition of an Extender Producer’s Responsibility (EPR) scheme for single-use plastics in line with their commitment to find an optimal solution to the plastic waste problem.

On September 23 and 30, the ECCP will be hosting the 2021 European-Philippine Business Summit (EPBS) which will bring a series of high-level online conversations on how to set a course for the next decade of stronger European-Philippine economic ties and brighter economic opportunities. 

Now on its eighth run, the Summit will feature key government figures, business leaders, and experts who will take a closer look at the country’s long-term economic outlook, promising growth sectors, and the next agenda of doing business in the Philippines.

Among the confirmed speakers are Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno, EU Delegation in Manila Ambassador Luc Véron, and Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen.

On economic reforms, Wittig said that the key legislative priorities of the Chamber are the amendments to the Foreign Investments Act, Public Service Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act.

The Chamber then urged the Philippine government to maintain the momentum and enact major economic reforms including amendments to those bills to accelerate recovery, increase the country’s global competitiveness and usher in FDIs that will facilitate economic growth and generate jobs ultimately contributing to the recovery of the country from the pandemic.

“The signing of the landmark tax reform law also known as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act earlier this year is a positive step to attaining this,” Wittig added.

Lastly, the ECCP appreciates the efforts of the Philippine government for the efficient implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination program.  

As the world continue to battle against the pandemic, the Chamber remains committed to work with the government and other stakeholders towards the recovery of the country especially now with the elevated threat brought about by the new variants and fostering closer economic cooperation between Europe and the Philippines, Wittig concluded. (Photos: ECCP FB/Google Images)