Infra still weakest link to Philippine competitiveness – ECCP

MANILA, Philippines - The current state of infrastructure in the Philippines remains the country’s Achilles heel in achieving overall competitiveness, the largest European business group in the country said, as it called for new measures to improve the local infrastructure framework.

In a forum yesterday, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) urged both the government and the private sector to adopt new and innovative infrastructure technologies and methodologies that would  change the status quo in the sector.

The ECCP said adoption of innovative solutions and technologies in construction and manufacturing would not only speed up infrastructure development but would also help create a more conducive environment for local and foreign investments.

“ECCP supports the development of better infrastructure for the Philippines and firmly believes that having good infrastructure leads to increased competitiveness,” ECCP president Guenter Taus said.

Despite several government moves to hasten infrastructure development over the last five years, Taus said Philippine infrastructure continues to lag behind globally.

Citing the outcome of the recent World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index, Taus said the country’s ranking in terms of infrastructure has remained poor, with the report noting in particular the below par airport and seaport infrastructure.

“The current state of infrastructure of the country is actually dragging down the competitiveness of the Philippines. There is plenty of room for improvement and a multitude of innovative solutions available to make positive changes happen,” he said.

“ECCP is calling for innovation and promoting innovation in infrastructure to ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with the country’s rapid economic development, rising population, fast urbanization and the growing challenges related to climate change,” Taus added.

Taus said ECCP together with its partner companies and organizations would work with the government in creating a policy and regulatory environment which will allow innovation to be promoted, adopted and mainstreamed in the process of building up the country’s future infrastructure.

“The goal is to enable innovation to make positive changes happen and for changes to happen fast. ECCP is excited to see the infrastructure sector moving fast forward as we expect this to lead to the creation of a more conducive environment for investments and a vibrant economy leading to inclusive as well as sustainable growth,” Taus said.