PCCI: Economy to grow at faster pace this year

The country’s biggest business group has expressed optimism about the performance of the Philippine economy, projecting it to grow faster, or by at least six percent this year.

- CATHERINE TALAVERA

In an interview with ANC, newly elected Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio said “the growth will be driven by resilience and domestic consumption, increase in government spending on infrastructure projects, and a gradual recovery in some sectors.”

Mangio said she is upbeat on the business environment this year, acknowledging both the efforts of the government and the private sector to address the issue of the ease of doing business.

“We are looking forward to a better year,” she said.

To make the country more attractive to investors, Mangio stressed the need for the country to strengthen its foreign relations as well as continue upskilling its workers.

She said reskilling and upskilling the laborers is important so that the country’s foreign partners will be able to appreciate the potential of Philippine workers.

Mangio officially started her term as PCCI president this month. She is the third woman president of the PCCI since its inception in 1978.

She owns several businesses including the SamgyeopMasarap chain of restaurants.

Prior to her post, she served as the vice president for regional affairs of the PCCI.