EUROPE-PH News

November 19, 2012
Christmas Street Market, European Style

The European Chamber of Commerce launches the first Christkindlmarket in the Philippines, giving Filipinos the opportunity to experience a traditional European Christmas.

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November 15, 2012
European Bazaar Set

For the first time in Asia, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) will be organizing the Christkindlmarket in Manila. From Dec. 3 to 9, the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink will be transformed into a Christmas village to replicate the original event.

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November 14, 2012
Grumbling Among Expats

The inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines plummeted by 83% in August this year. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is hoping a total FDI inflow of $1.2 billion for 2012. That's low in comparison with the average FDI the Philippines has received in the last 11 years, approximately $1.5 billion, and puny in comparison with what our ASEAN-5 neighbors have attracted during the same period.

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November 13, 2012
Investors Bewail Continued "Restrictive" Business Regime

Foreign businessmen here are disappointed with the decision of the Aquino administration to continue the country’s "restrictive" investment regime for non-nationals as contained in the recently issued Ninth Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL).

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November 12, 2012
Foreign ownership rules seen limiting investments

"Every step to curtail foreign investments at a time when we clearly are bypassed by FDI (foreign direct investments) compared to our neighbors, and at a time where we are recognized as a potential investment haven, must be seen as a step in the wrong direction," said Henry J. Schumacher, vice- president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

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November 12, 2012
Investment Shrink 82% in August to $13M

Instead of pulling in foreign investments, the administration of President Aquino seems to be sending a signal driving away capital as indicated by the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) figures showing foreign direct investments (FDI) dissipating 83 percent to a mere $13 million in August from $76 million a year ago that brought FDI in the year to August to $1 billion, one of the lowest among developing countries in the Asian region.

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November 12, 2012
'€˜Upstream Energy 2012'™ Meet Set

The Upstream Energy 2012 conference will have resource speakers and panels of experts to discuss the realities in the business landscape with far- reaching implications on energy security, supply and demand, affordability and access to energy supplies.

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November 04, 2012
Gov't told to ease Foreign Restrictions

The European Chamber of Commerce (ECCP) has reiterated its call to relax the rules on areas restricted to foreign investors after the issuance of a Palace fiat expanding the economic activities restricted to Filipinos.

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November 04, 2012
Benefits Of Solar Energy Cited

There’s more sun in the Philippines. Why not use it as an alternative energy source? This was the message given by German solar energy industry experts who were in the country recently for a week- long series of workshops to share expertise and technical know- how to representatives of local solar companies, distribution utilities and even environmental groups.

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October 29, 2012
Integrity Matters

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has stated that his administration's pursuit of "re-establishing a culture of integrity in government made the Philippines more globally competitive. "I can only agree because we have seen how the absence of integrity has led to high wastage in public projects.

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October 29, 2012
Do not risk a Trade War over Distilled Spirits Taxation

The excise tax reform in the Philippines, commonly known as the "sin" tax bill, is creating great political drama and intrigue-on par with a Greek tragedy.

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October 25, 2012
Pag-IBIG, Others Sign Integrity Pledge

State-run Pag-IBIG Fund has joined leading companies in a nationwide anti-corruption campaign that shuns dishonest and fraudulent business practices.

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