ECCP at Work

BIR: Tax non-compliance rising among online sellers

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) are exploring advanced technology such as data and blockchain analytics to tighten tax compliance among online sellers.

Geneva talks eyed after limited WTO outcomes

The Philippines is looking ahead to fresh negotiations in Geneva next month after global trade talks yielded only limited agreements, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

PPP eyed for Casiguran port, airport developments

Plans are being considered to develop port and airport projects in Casiguran, Aurora through public-private partnerships (PPP), according to the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO).

$500-M ADB fund eyed for bamboo industry

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is hoping to obtain next year up to $500 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or other multilateral banks, to develop the Philippine bamboo industry.


Nestlé unveils new biomass facility in Cabuyao plant

Nestlé Philippines has launched a biomass boiler facility at its manufacturing facility in Cabuyao, Laguna in line with its push for sustainability initiatives. Under its roadmap, Nestlé aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Oil firms cut diesel, kerosene prices for third week in a row

The Department of Energy (DoE) said diesel prices should go down by at least P12.94 per liter, starting April 28. Last month, the country’s sole refiner, Petron, acquired 2.48 million barrels of Russian crude oil as “an extraordinary emergency measure” to source additional supply. As of April 24, the Philippines’ fuel inventory could last for 54 days, increasing from the 52 days recorded last week.

Exporters also granted three-year registration validity

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it will adopt a three-year validity period for export registration in the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS), following a similar measure for importers.

Next round of EU FTA talks in Manila next month

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the next round of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) will take place in Manila in May.

FTA deal with Chile nears end, talks with EU advancing

The country is close to wrapping up its free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Chile, with only a few remaining issues left for final resolution, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Philippine business confidence weakest in over 25 years in March

Business confidence fell to its weakest in more than 25 years in March as firms turned pessimistic on expectations that higher fuel costs from the Middle East conflict would curb consumer spending, a central bank survey showed.

‘More BSP rate hikes coming as inflation risks persist’

Analysts expect the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to deliver additional rate hikes in the coming months after kicking off a new tightening cycle, as inflation risks remain elevated and increasingly broad-based.

PH gets $24.5M WB grant for climate-smart farming

The World Bank (WB) has approved a $24.5 million grant to help the Philippines strengthen climate-smart agriculture, improve farm service delivery and support export development.

‘Geopolitics, freight costs hitting meat buyers, traders’

Geopolitical  tensions and expensive freight are additional risks that meat buyers and traders will face this year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In its latest report, the FAO said ongoing conflicts could strain global trade for poultry, pork, and bovine meat shipments.

ECCP, BIR push tax reforms

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with Deloitte Philippines, convened a high-level dialogue with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to advance tax reform, digitalization, and ease of doing business in the country.

BIR reform push shows early gains, gaps

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is beginning to show early results from its five-pillar reform program, Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza told members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) during a high-level dialogue held with Deloitte Philippines at Dusit Thani Manila.

PCCI, European Chamber team up to boost trade, investments

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) have teamed up to promote stronger trade and investment ties and unlock opportunities for businesses from both sides.