December 1, 2010
H. E. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang
Manila
Dear President Aquino:
We are honored to transmit to you the first copy of Arangkada Philippines 2010: A Business Perspective. This advocacy paper has been prepared by the seven members of the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines that represent over two thousand members and that are committed to improving trade and investment relations between the Philippines and our home countries.
The Arangkada presents the results of nine Focus Group Discussions. Each group was chaired by an industry expert who led research and consultations with the Philippine Government, local business, industry, and economic reform advocates, and domestic and foreign investors.
The overall conclusion is that the Philippine economy should focus on accelerating the growth of Seven Big Winner Sectors in order to increase investment and create jobs. These sectors are Agribusiness; Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing; Creative Industries; Infrastructure; Manufacturing and Logistics; Mining; and Tourism, Medical Travel, and Retirement.
The recommendations in Arangkada are consistent with the messages of your administration that change is essential, that jobs must be created, that poverty must be reduced, and that corruption must be ended. Its recommendations support the theme that the Philippines should move twice as fast to compete successfully and catch up with fast-growing Asian economies.
We respectfully request to meet with you to discuss the recommendations in Arangkada and to continue and deepen the long-standing partnership between our chambers and the Philippine Government.
Sincerely,
