CCCI aims to tighten ties with government

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) vowed to tighten its alliance with the government in both local and national levels.

CCCI president Antonio Chiu made this statement as the country is anticipating another batch of government officials after the May 2019 elections.

Although the chamber has been working closely with the government in all levels in the last few years, Chiu said it is crucial for the chamber to sustain or even strengthen its alliance with the government to be more relevant to its members.

Besides, if the chamber has good diplomatic relationship with different government windows, it is easier for the business sector to air their concerns regarding the economy and business in general.

“We would like to renew or expand our link with government agencies,” added Chiu.

Just recently, CCCI made a vocal call of asking the government to reconsider and be very extra careful in rationalizing investors’ incentives or else the Philippines will lag behind in the battle of competitiveness.

Chiu referred to the upcoming implementation of the second package of tax reform otherwise known as Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities, (TRABAHO bill).

According to Chiu, the Cebu business community, through the Chamber already expressed its sentiment over the next implementation of tax reform, for the government not to be stingy in giving out incentives to investors.

“We told the economic team, never to lose sight of competitiveness,” Chiu said.

More of business and government collaboration programs or projects will be expected starting this year, added Chiu. (FREEMAN)