Robi Del Rosario

Getting business to behave

22 April 2017 – It has not been easy for Integrity Initiative Inc. (II) to convince the broader business community to get on board the integrity train. There continues to be some cynicism toward the prospect of clean business resulting in good business on the part of those accustomed to shortcuts or just resigned to the idea that “that’s how it is in the system.” Along this vein, there are others questioning the ability of “corrupt to the core” businessmen to change their ways just because they have signed the Integrity Pledge. “Such businessmen are merely trying to sanitize themselves” is how others scoff at what II is trying to do.

Asia-Pacific business leaders call for business to focus on open trade and its adverse impacts

20 March 2017 – Asia Pacific business leaders must communicate more effectively the benefits of globalization and address its adverse impacts, according to members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) who met last February 19-23 for its first meeting in 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Event Reminder for April 2017

Special Joint Meeting and Round Table Discussion on 6 April 2017

Makati, Moro biz groups to spur economic activity

The Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Bangsa Moro Federal Business Council (BMFBC) have inked a pact to strengthen business and entrepreneurial relations that would help boost the economy.

On Thursday, MBC Executive Director Peter Perfecto and BMFBC Chairman Abdulgami Macatoman signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize cooperation between the two organizations.

SECOND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR 2017 – AMB. KAZUHIDE ISHIKAWA OF JAPAN

24 March 2017 – The Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa highlighted the vibrant relationship between Japan and the Philippines in his address during the Makati Business Club’s Second General Membership Meeting for 2017. The Ambassador, who was designated to the country in August 2014 defines the Philippines-Japan relations as a “strategic partnership”, one that is based on shared basic values, common goals, and long-standing friendship.

Amb. Ishikawa noted the countries’ partnership in economic front. Japan has been the Philippines’ largest trade partner, with total trade reaching US$ 21.19 billion in 2016, compared to other major partners such as China (US$ 21.17) and the United States (US$ 15.86). Since the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) was ratified in 2008, trade between two countries increased by about 20%. The top envoy also mentioned that Japan is a major source of investments since 2000, with the cumulative FDI totalling Php 635.88 billion. He said that most of the Japanese companies operating in the country are engaged in manufacturing activities in the country’s economic zones.