The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCIII) threw its support behind the proposed Greater Manila Bay Area (GMBA), seeing it as a crucial step in decongesting Metro Manila and driving economic growth in neighboring provinces.
FFCCIII president Cecilio Pedro emphasized the need for focused development in areas like Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga under the GMBA framework.
“Metro Manila is saturated. We need to create an environment that is truly open for business,” he said at the Pandesal Forum Thursday.
Pedro said the GMBA could attract significant investments and create much-needed jobs, taking inspiration from the successful Greater Bay Area model in China.
He said the GMBA aims to create a more balanced and sustainable growth pattern by decentralizing economic activity and promoting regional development.
He stressed the importance of a streamlined licensing process and a dedicated government body to ensure ease of entry for businesses of all sizes.
“Investment is the key, as it will generate jobs,” he said.
He pointed to China’s success in attracting foreign investment by establishing special economic zones like Shenzhen, where a business-friendly environment and efficient processes facilitated rapid growth.
The FFCCIII president also urged the government to ensure ease of doing business (EODB) and minimize red tape to attract businesses leaving China due to rising costs.
“We have skilled workers and everything is available here, but we need to focus on creating a model of excellence with minimal corruption,” Pedro said.
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