Arangkada 2013 Forum to spur further actions for inclusive economic growth

Speakers and panelists to assess status of implementation of recommendations to accelerate the growth of Big Winner Sectors

(Manila, Philippines, February 22, 2013) — On February 26, the JFC will hold its second Arangkada Forum entitled “Realize the Potential!” to discuss improvements in the sectors with the highest growth potential and to provide updated evaluations in the 2010 document “Arangkada Philippines: A Business Perspective”. Speakers and panelists will discuss and assess the progress of the 471 proposed reforms contributed by both local and foreign investors. The Forum will be held in the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. A press conference will be hosted by the JFC afterwards.

With the Philippines becoming more recognized as a future high-growth economy, the JFC believes that its 6.6% GDP growth in 2012 can rise significantly in future years through continuing and strengthening reforms that develop the “Big Winner” sectors (Agribusiness, Creative Industries, Information Technology, Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Tourism, Medical Travel, and Retirement). Through this, the JFC expects to meet its target of US$75 billion in foreign direct investment, creation of 10 million jobs and over 1 trillion in tax revenue within the next 10 years.

Arangkada Philippines provided recommendations for action from both private and public sectors to help the country improve trade and investment relations with other countries. The 471 proposed reforms were recommended by experts through focus group discussions, which aim to create a better and more sustainable economic growth for the Philippines.

The JFC has partnered with experts to assess the implementation of the proposed reforms. The assessment report will be released at the event and on the Arangkada website www.arangkadaphilippines.com.

An impressive roster of speakers will provide expert insights into topics such as agribusiness, manufacturing, mining, tourism, infrastructure policy, water, power, telecommunications, business costs, governance, judiciary, and social services. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte will deliver the keynote address at the Forum. Other speakers include Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., National Competitiveness Council Private Sector Co-Chairman Guillermo Luz, and National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan, among many private and public sector leaders.

For more inquiries on the event, please visit http://www.arangkadaphilippines.com/forum or email forum@arangkadaphillipines.com.

About Arangkada Philippines
Arangkada Philippines is a reference document sponsored by the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines that lists 471 business and economic reform recommendations contributed by both foreign and local investors. Arangkada emphasizes the importance of focusing on these reforms to facilitate larger growth in the Big Winner Sectors (Agribusiness, Creative Industries, Information Technology, Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Tourism, Medical Travel, and Retirement) as well as the country’s economic standing. Arangkada targets the infusion of US$75 billion foreign direct investment and the creation of 10 million jobs, and over a trillion pesos in tax revenue for the Philippine economy within a decade.

About the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines
The JFC is composed of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and Philippine Association of Multinational Regional Headquarters.