THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc. (JCCIPI) forged a deal to strengthen the country’s business environment further and reinforce investor confidence.
ARTA and JCCIPI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. The partnership formalizes closer linkages between the national government and the Japanese business community to advance regulatory reforms, improve government service delivery, and support the effective implementation of Republic Act 11032, or the ‘Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.’
Under the MOU, JCCIPI and its nearly 700 member companies and affiliated organizations nationwide will serve as ARTA champions, working alongside the agency to identify regulatory bottlenecks, report red tape and fixing activities, participate in policy consultations, and promote awareness of ease of doing business initiatives within the Japanese business community.
In turn, ARTA will craft capacity-building programs, endorse and resolve complaints involving violations of RA 11032, and seek JCCIPI’s recommendations in improving government regulations, systems, and procedures.
Reforms and benefits
JCCIPI President Shigeru Shimoda and Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, who serves as ARTA director general, signed the agreement. Ambassador of Japan Kazuya Endo; JCCIPI vice president Kazuhiro Nomura; Undersecretary Juabilly P. Racho, who is ARTA’s deputy director general for Regional Field Operations; and Undersecretary Lea-Grace Salcedo, who is the agency’s deputy director general for Operations, witnessed the signing.
In his remarks, Shimoda emphasized that regulatory efficiency remains a key factor in attracting investments and enabling businesses to grow. He reaffirmed JCCIPI’s commitment to working closely with the Philippine government to create a more transparent, efficient, and globally competitive business environment, then expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership with ARTA would lead to meaningful reforms and tangible benefits for both Japanese investors and the Philippine economy.
For his part, Perez underscored ARTA’s commitment to simplifying government processes and highlighted the importance of sustained private-sector engagement in shaping practical and responsive regulatory reforms.
Representing the Japanese government, Endo welcomed the strengthened collaboration between ARTA and JCCIPI, noting that initiatives that enhance regulatory efficiency contribute to a stronger investment climate and further deepen the longstanding economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.
Shared commitment
JAPAN remains one of the Philippines’ largest sources of foreign direct investment, trade, and development cooperation. The MOU signing reflects ARTA and JCCIPI’s shared commitment to fostering a more predictable, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment that supports business growth, encourages greater investment, and enhances the Philippines’ competitiveness as an investment hub.
As one of the country’s largest foreign business organizations, JCCIPI continues to work closely with the Philippine government and its stakeholders to advocate policies that promote sustainable economic growth, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the enduring economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.