SwissChamPH, ARTA sign MoU on promoting ease of doing business
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has designated the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham PH) and its members as ARTA Champions in promoting ease of doing business in the country.
ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez and Swiss Cham PH Chairperson Ms. Christine Fajardo signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 11, 2024. Swiss Ambassador Dr. Nicolas Brühl and ARTA Deputy Director General Gerald Divinagracia witnessed the MOU signing.
ARTA Champions are empowered to receive complaints in relation to Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. They also have the responsibility to promote and raise awareness on ARTA’s ease of doing business and anti-red tape initiatives.
“We are pleased to welcome SwissCham PH and its members to the growing roster of ARTA Champions who serve a vital role in the successful implementation of ARTA's mandate to promote ease of doing business and eliminate red tape. The participation and cooperation of the private sector, particularly the business community, is very important as they are the ones who experience the actual state of government service in their various dealings or transactions with national government agencies and local government units,” said Secretary Perez.
“Thank you to ARTA for rolling out the red carpet for the strategic participation of the private sector in advancing economic growth and development through the MOU signing with our business chamber. Our partnership will unblock barriers and provide value to our employees, customers, stakeholders and society,” said Ms. Fajardo.
Bottom (L-R) Joseph Cadag, ERNI Philippines Managing Director, Gerald G. Divinagracia, Anti-Red Tape Authority Deputy Director General, Ma. Christine Fajardo, SwissCham Philippines Chairperson, Hon. Ernesto V. Perez, Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary, H.E. Dr. Nicholas Bruhl, Swiss Ambassador to Philippines, Kent Marjun Primor, SwissCham Philippines Director of Operations, Ma. Jocelyn Socorro, Anti-Red Tape Authority HEA, Cresenciano Maramot, SGS Philippines Managing Director.
“Congratulations to SwissCham PH and ARTA. The promotion of ease of doing business is a crucial step towards attracting foreign investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and stimulating economic growth. By streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, we pave the way for a more vibrant economic landscape that benefits not only businesses but the wider community as well,” said Ambassador Brühl.
Under the MOU, ARTA will provide training to SwissCham PH and its members in order to capacitate them in receiving complaints for violation of R.A. No. 11032; designate one or several ARTA contact persons to receive any complaints from the business sector forwarded by the Chamber; and, whenever feasible, provide SwissCham PH with materials such as pamphlets, brochures, booklets, and/or manuals that will educate or raise the awareness of the business sector about RA. No. 11032 and its salient provisions.
For their part, SwissCham PH and its members will assist the ARTA in enhancing government initiatives through timely reporting of information related to fixing activities and other forms of red tape; designate a Focal Person responsible for accepting and reviewing complaints for endorsement to ARTA; and support, promote, and cascade ARTA programs to its members.
