British Chamber hosts webinar with DTI's Lopez on recovery plans for businesses

(As released) The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines hosted a webinar with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday, May 14, 2020

This webinar was organized in cooperation with the French, Dutch, German, Nordic, and Spanish chambers. Secretary Lopez discussed Department of Trade and Industry's issuances in response to challenges brought on by the pandemic and assistance provided to MSMEs, and industry promotion strategies to revive the economy post-ECQ.

Concerns regarding businesses in the service and tourism sectors were taken up considering that the Philippines is a consumer-driven economy.

The trade chief shared that once the proper safety measures are in place businesses in these sectors will eventually be allowed to open up. Among other sectors identified to contribute to the recovery were manufacturing, construction, manufacturing and agriculture.

The webinar had over 400 participants from both local and European business communities.

• Foreign investment
• Reforms, liberalization of retail, CITIRA, incentives for exporters
• Reopening of sectors
• LGUs and logistics
• Roadmap for service-oriented businesses
• Philippines' consumer-driven market
• Travel and tourism

The sessions were moderated by Chris Nelson, executive director and trustee of the British Chamber of Commerce.

In an interview on ANC, Nelson said around 50% of companies linked to the chamber were able to reopen under the more relaxed lockdown called the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.