Marcos highlights ‘critical partnership’ with Fil-Chinese groups to revitalize economy

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the "necessary partnership" that the Philippine government has to make with Filipino-Chinese businesses in revitalizing the economy.

Marcos said this during the oathtaking of the new set of officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese of Commerce and Industry, Inc. at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized his administration's policy of maintaining "critical partners" when it comes to the transformation of the Philippine economy.

"As in every mutually beneficial partnership, the Federation will rest assured that this administration will continue to support this healthy relationship," Marcos said.

"It is not only a healthy relationship, it is one that we consider to be a necessary partnership, and I think it has been made clear that the policy of this administration is to have the critical partners in the transformation of our economy as critical partners in the private sector and as leaders in the private sector. Then we will look once again to you for your assistance, your partnership, and your continuing commitment to make the lives of ordinary Filipinos better," he added.

He noted that the government and the federation have the same idea when it comes to strengthening the economy. Marcos said his administration would continue to harness its partnership with the Filipino-Chinese groups for the betterment of the public.

"So as part of this administration’s agenda, partnership with the private sector has been actively pursued and nurtured in recognition of this essential role that you play in our development," Marcos said.

"Definitely this is a partnership that my administration will continue to preserve, harness and enhance so that it may bring forth greater benefits for businesses, our citizens and our country," he added.

Marcos said the government would continue to listen to the concerns of the private sector and exert all efforts to improve the business climate and ensure ease of doing business in the country.

"We are now exerting effort to provide and improve our tax administration and fiscal incentives system amongst others strategic interventions. We are also streamlining existing regulatory mechanism through expedited and integrated processes and digitalization of key government services," Marcos said.

Meanwhile, Marcos expressed confidence that with the new set of officers, "we will have positive influencers and prime movers in our communities to ably guide or economy to greater heights."

"To the new officers who will be assuming, greater social responsibilities and challenges, we wish you the success of your leadership. May you sustain the Federation’s long and storied legacy in Philippine society," Marcos said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News