PCCI: Duterte admin should focus on agri, fast-tracking projects

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- One of the partner business groups of the incoming Duterte administration wants the next government to focus on agriculture and on fast-tracking projects.

"I think [what is] very important is agriculture, especially in rural areas. We need to build on it, especially infrastructure," said George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The PCCI is one of the partners of the incoming Duterte government in the two-day workshop held in Davao City starting Monday. The other partner is the Mindanao Business Council.

Barcelon said the business community is glad it was approached by incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez to propose the holding of the workshop. He said this is the first time an incoming government has sought advice from the corporate sector on its economic agenda.

"We are very supportive of this administration. We heard some broad plans, but now we want to know what will be prioritized," Barcelon told reporters before the event.

He is pertaining to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's 10-point economic agenda unveiled earlier where "action plans" will be drawn during the event.

Saying it's time to "move forward," Barcelon said the outgoing Aquino administration has made some gains which could have been better.

"They became overly cautious. We need to fast-track the projects," Barcelon said.

For his part, Philippine Stock Exchange president Hans Sicat said he is looking forward for "an exchange of ideas" with the new administration.