Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez has underscored the importance of focusing on technology to further make doing business in the Philippine easier.
Lopez said the World Bank’s Doing Business (DB) 2020 study indicated that economies that score highest on the ease of doing business share several common features, including the widespread use of electronic systems.
He cited 20 top-ranking economies which have online business incorporation processes, have electronic tax filing platforms, and allow online procedures related to party transfers.
“With the Fourth Industrial Revolution upon us, we need to promote the widespread use of electronic systems and online platforms to comply with regulatory requirements. So, the process is streamline first then automate,” he added.
Lopez said a few local government units have already put up online registration systems, while several agencies currently have automation projects.
“The digital transformation of the Philippine government is underway and must be widened and further accelerated,” he added.
In the latest DB 2020 report, Lopez said the Philippines has the greatest number of procedures in starting a business, dealing with construction permits, and registering property in ASEAN.
He said automation and the development of online platforms is important to enable the government to comply with the “no contact policy.”
“Promoting technology integration will improve productivity, raise competitiveness, increase investments and eventually create jobs and reduce poverty,” he added. – Press release
April 27, 2024
