THE British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (BCCP) believes digitalization will greatly help facilitate the ease of doing business (EODB) in the country.
That is why it is working closely with the Philippine government to ensure the quick passage of important legislative measures, with focus on cybersecurity.
“We’re working closely with the government, and we’d like to see priority measures or pieces of legislation—particularly in the areas of cybersecurity; so, we’d like the ‘Cybersecurity Act’ passed as a priority measure,” stated BCCP executive director and trustee Chris Nelson. “We see that cybersecurity is critically important. It’s an issue not only in the Philippines and the United Kingdom, so it’s important [for us that the national] government is taking serious action on cybersecurity that reinforces overseas investors, and it helps them to come in and know that they will be safe.”
Actions such as the passage of the “Cybersecurity Act,” he said, is important.
He made the remarks during the “Securing the Digital Frontier: Breaking Through Digital Boundaries” event that was organized in partnership with BCCP members CyberQ Group and Colliers.
Aside from that, Nelson shared that one of the advocacies of the chamber is to ensure increased investments from UK-based companies, as well as local trade and investments. He emphasized the need for a breakdown or further removal of economic barriers, particularly those stated in the Philippine Constitution that bars investments from foreign companies or ownership.
He added that the BCCP is also meeting with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as part of the chamber’s commitment to championing regulatory reform and enhancing economic competitiveness: “We’re close to supporting them in their aims such as those [regarding EODB], which is…very critical in getting those businesses moving forward.”
Nelson reiterated that the chamber continues to maintain its leadership in making more people aware of the business opportunities in the Philippines, trying to drive investment and trade, and getting key legislation passed as soon as possible.
