SwissCham Philippines hosts insightful economic briefing, sets stage for Ease of Doing Business initiative with ARTA

The Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines recently hosted an online economic briefing titled "Where is the Philippines headed to? A Philippine Economic Briefing on Risks, Growth, and Prospects for 2024." The virtual event held on February 27, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, provided SwissCham members, including CEOs, CFOs, and staff, with insights into the nation's economic trajectory and future opportunities.

Guest Speaker, Dr. Albert Lamberte, Associate Professor & Vice-Chair of DLSU-School of Economics, led the discussion, covering a wide array of topics crucial to understanding the Philippine economy's current state and future prospects. Dr. Lamberte provided a comprehensive analysis of recent trends in headline inflation rates and employment dynamics across various sectors. He highlighted sectors experiencing growth in employment, such as construction and transportation, while also addressing those facing declines, including wholesale and retail trade.

In addition to sector-specific insights, Dr. Lamberte delved into broader economic risks and challenges facing the Philippines. He highlighted issues such as high inflation rates, interest rates, and concerns about the ease of doing business. Moreover, he underscored structural challenges, including labor productivity and education quality, which require concerted efforts and policy interventions to address effectively.

During the open forum, moderated by Kent Marjun Primor, Director of Operations at SwissCham Philippines, Dr. Lamberte provided actionable insights on enhancing business efficiency to encourage foreign direct investment and navigating the evolving economic landscape of the Philippines. The briefing fostered constructive dialogue and knowledge-sharing among SwissCham members, empowering them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the Philippine market.

Looking ahead, SwissCham Philippines continues its commitment to facilitating business growth and development in the country. The chamber is gearing up for its next significant event, the Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). This event will feature a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, further underscoring SwissCham's dedication to promoting a conducive business environment and fostering strong partnerships with government agencies to drive positive change.