SwissCham Manufacturing Cluster visits the Department of Trade and Industry to exchange views on industry developments
SwissCham Manufacturing Innovation Cluster paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Rafaelita Aldaba, Undersecretary, Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on 20 August 2024. Present at the meeting were representatives from member companies, including Ivoclar Vivadent Inc., Hilti Philippines, Holcim Philippines, Sateco Philippines, and SGS Philippines.
Kent Primor, SwissCham Director of Operations and Head of Economic and Trade Advisory of the Swiss Embassy expressed gratitude to Usec. Aldaba for the warm reception and briefed the DTI official on the priorities and activities of SwissCham notably the formation of its three Innovation Clusters.
Daniela San Agustin, Chairperson, SwissCham Manufacturing Innovation Cluster and President of Ivoclar Vivadent shared plans for expansion and best practices to promote foreign direct investments to the Philippines. Sateco, represented by Larry Manusig, is one example of our collective effort in successfully enticing them to invest in the Philippines.
Ann Lim, President of Hilti Philippines echoed the importance of a supportive regulatory regime to convince headquarters to invest more and employ more in the Philippines. This was supported by Ram Maganti, Senior Vice President of Holcim Philippines while also sharing their unique contribution in sustainability and circular economy.
SGS Managing Director Cres Maramot suggested several measures to enhance business and government efficiency, and called for more industry-government collaboration in crafting responsive regulation that align with international industry developments.
Undersecretary Aldaba acknowledged and supported these initiatives emphasizing the need to balance industry needs with regulatory compliance and committing to work with relevant agencies to enhance regulatory efficiency.
SwissCham Philippines will actively follow on the key action points identified and remains committed to the strong partnership with DTI and relevant agencies.
We encourage our member-companies to join our Innovation Clusters and work closely with government and private sector organizations for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth of the industry and the Philippines.
