New PEZA chief against monopoly
BUTUAN CITY – New Philippine Economic Zone Authority PEZA director general former Butuan City Rep. Charito Booc Plaza vowed not to tolerate monopoly in all economic zones in the country, saying monopoly is anti- people and anti- business.
Plaza took her oath of office last Oct. 5 in Manila after President Duterte appointed her to head the investment promotion agency.
“Monopoly in all aspects is anti-development as it limits opportunities to few already privileged traders. It is not only anti-poor but anti-business because the motivating engine for sustainable and equitable growth is you have to spread opportunities to all. It is even embodied in the UN Millennium Development Goals were opportunities for economic development and growth must be inclusive,” Plaza told The STAR.
Plaza is the author of the law which paved the way for the creation of PEZA. She was also the principal author of the law creating Caraga Region.
Plaza said she was invited recently in many foreign investments forum sponsored by foreign investors interested to invest in Philippine Economic Zones.
Plaza said she met with local business groups like the local Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce here in Butuan City to discuss tax-incentives and other information about ecozones. She said her plans to create local ecozones throughout the country were also discussed with the business groups.
“We will create ecozones in different regions in the country so that their best local resources or raw materials available especially for export can be tapped for development. We will provide incentives to investors, locators and local businessmen,” Plaza said.
“The engine of growth really is an incentivized, energized and active private sector participating in an active local business climate anchored on equal opportunities for all. That way, it will not only provide needed investment but create local job opportunities for all. If people have jobs, you will not only have purchasing power capabilities but also create an atmosphere of economic security thus harmony, peace and solved criminality because you have employment” Plaza added.