Story and photo by Danielle Gabriel
Following the slew of public-private partnership projects (PPP) under the Aquino administration, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) is expecting continued infrastructure developments once incoming president-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte steps in.
AmCham Executive Director Ebb Hinchcliffe said infrastructure dilemmas should be addressed immediately since it directly affects other aspects of the economy and business.
“Infrastructure, it is a must to continue public-private partnership. The Aquino administration did a really good job with infrastructure, in particular the work done with the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways],” Hinchcliffe said on the sidelines of an AmCham lean management seminar conducted by Mike Grogan.
He added: “I hope the remaining projects, the new administration would begin those immediately. It is a great start for the administration because infrastructure affects everything. It affects tourism logistics, cost, labor and the environment.”
According to Hinchcliffe, the chamber plans to concentrate on infrastructure projects, particularly those that can improve engineering in the country along with other key industries, including manufacturing, agriculture and electronics.
“Manufacturing continues to be very strong. Agriculture is a must. We are encouraging everyone to improve agriculture. Manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure—those three are the big ones that I see American companies pushing for to continue to grow,” Hinchcliffe said.
AmCham also hopes to see the next administration’s move in connection with the Philippines’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which he believes increases manufacturing jobs and foreign investments in the country. Hinchcliffe said that with Duterte’s camp speaking reforms in the Constitution, TPP should be a smooth-sailing venture for the country. Duterte has previously indicated in some interviews that he is open to amendments to the Constitution that would allow lesser restrictions on foreign investments.
As for maritime disputes, Hinchcliffe said it is interesting to see the incoming administration consider both multilateral and bilateral talks.
He said that, aside from preventing further destruction to the reefs in the disputed territories, continued talks would ensure conflict-free business in the ports and sea lanes.
“The main thing is the shipping lane has got to stay open. We want to see from an economic standpoint the sea lane stay open,” Hinchcliffe said.
Image credits: Danielle Gabriel