DIGITALIZATION A BOOST TO EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHL—BRITISH BUSINESS GROUP

THE British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (BCCP) believes that digitalization will certainly help in terms of the ease of doing business in the country. This is why it is working closely with the Philippine government to ensure quick passage of important legislative measures, particularly 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,” according to Chris Nelson, BCCP Executive Director and Trustee.

He made the remarks during BCCP’S event, “Securing the Digital Frontier: Breaking Through Digital Boundaries” that was held in partnership with BCCP members Cyberq Group and Colliers at the Makati Commerce Tower recently.

As Jose Carlos Reyes, Director of the Cybersecurity Bureau from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) outlined cybersecurity concerns in the Philippines as one of the event’s speakers, Nelson agreed about how vital cybersecurity is.

“We see that cybersecurity is critically important. It’s an issue not only in the Philippines and the UK so it’s important the Philippine 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 that’s why those actions such as the passage of the Cybersecurity Act is important,” Nelson said.

Aside from cybersecurity, Nelson said one of the advocacies of the BCCP is to ensure an increased investment from Ukbased companies and trade and investment here. 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 in regard to ease of doing business, which is a phrase often used, is very critical in getting those businesses, moving forward.”

The BCCP continues to remain as a leader 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, Nelson reiterated.

Other guests during the event were Chris Woods, Founder and CEO of Cyberq Group, Roberto Tayag, CEO-APAC of Cyberq Group, Vishvas Nayi, Chief Solutions Architect of the Cyberq Group, and Pat Pio Fondevilla, Cybersecurity Operations Head of the Philippine National Bank.