NCC sees Phl improving in competitiveness

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines aims to be in the top one third in ranking in international competitiveness surveys by 2016, according to the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

The NCC is presently crafting a 25-year strategic plan that will be harmonized with the existing six-year Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). While the plan is still being crafted, the NCC provides NEDA with 500 annual competitiveness indicators.

The plan contains measures for the strengthening of local industries, improving infrastructure, sustaining the energy and manpower skills requirements of industries, shortening the business permits and licensing process, and building the capacity of the regions.

The Philippines, through the 25-year strategic plan, aims to improve the country’s long-term competitiveness through policy reforms, aggressive implementation of projects under the Public-Private Partnership program, and continuous review of economic performance.

NCC private sector co-chair Guillermo Luz said the plan is expected to be finalized within the year.

During the meeting of the NCC working group at the Department of Trade office yesterday, members of the council pointed out that addressing the conflicting national and local government laws should be addressed to attract investments in the region and increase economic hubs in the country.

Several members pointed out that many investors find it hard to go around local ordinances that conflict with national laws.

Luz noted that the Philippines has consistently ranked in the bottom third of international competitiveness surveys such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), the International Finance Corp. (IFC) Doing Business survey, and the World Competitiveness Yearbook.

The Philippines ranked 75th out of 142 countries in the 2011 WEF survey and 85 out of 139 in 2010.Luz said that by 2016, the country targets rank 50th or higher.

The Philippines ranked 136th out of 183 countries in the 2011 IFC report.

“I think the target is very doable. It will be hard work, but it will be doable,” Luz said.