QC wants businesses ready for ASEAN integration

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City council has approved a resolution urging the national government to undertake comprehensive programs for businesses in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Integration (AEC) in 2015.

“The AEC will transport ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor and free flow of capital,” read the resolution introduced by fifth district Councilor Aly Medalla.

“The ASEAN will compete globally as one market base, with each member gaining from each other’s strength in the long run, increasing its total competitiveness and chances for prosperity,” the resolution added.

Medalla said there is a need for higher level of competitiveness and cooperation with the creation of the AEC.

He noted that the Philippine Chamber of Commerce has recommended as early as 2012 that businesses should be prepared for the integration.

“The integration will mean a lot of new opportunities and threats for the Philippines. It means that there would be an urgent need for the whole country to be ready for the new demands brought by the AEC,” the resolution said.

The city legislators asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DIT) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct awareness programs to prepare businesses on the possible impact of the AEC.

Copies of the measure will be forwarded to the DTI and the DILG for reference.