ARTA, JCCIPI Forge Partnership to Strengthen Ease of Doing Business and Boost Investor Confidence 

ARTA, JCCIPI Forge Partnership to Strengthen Ease of Doing Business and Boost Investor Confidence | MANILA, Philippines, 5 August 2026 – In a move to further strengthen the Philippines’ business environment and reinforce investor confidence, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. 

The partnership formalizes closer collaboration between the government and the Japanese business  community in advancing regulatory reforms, improving government service delivery, and supporting  the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient  Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. 

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, JCCIPI and its nearly 700 member companies and  affiliated organizations nationwide will serve as ARTA Champions, working alongside the Authority  to identify regulatory bottlenecks, report red tape and fixing activities, participate in policy  consultations, and promote awareness of ease of doing business initiatives within the Japanese  business community. In turn, ARTA will provide capacity-building programs, facilitate the  endorsement and resolution of complaints involving violations of RA No. 11032, and seek JCCIPI’s  recommendations in improving government regulations, systems, and procedures. 

The agreement was signed by Mr. Shigeru Shimoda, President of JCCIPI, and Secretary Ernesto V.  Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority. Witnessing the signing were H.E. Kazuya  Endo, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines; Mr. Kazuhiro Nomura, Vice President of JCCIPI;  Undersecretary Juabilly P. Racho, Deputy Director General for Regional Field Operations; and  Undersecretary Lea-Grace B. Salcedo, Deputy Director General for Operations. 

In his remarks, JCCIPI President Shigeru Shimoda emphasized that regulatory efficiency remains a  key factor in attracting investments and enabling businesses to grow. He reaffirmed JCCIPI’s  commitment to working closely with the Philippine Government to create a more transparent,  efficient, and globally competitive business environment and expressed confidence that the  strengthened partnership with ARTA would lead to meaningful reforms and tangible benefits for  both Japanese investors and the Philippine economy. 

Secretary Ernesto V. Perez underscored ARTA’s commitment to simplifying government processes  and highlighted the importance of sustained engagement with the private sector in shaping practical  and responsive regulatory reforms. 

Representing the Government of Japan, Ambassador Kazuya Endo welcomed the strengthened  collaboration between ARTA and JCCIPI, noting that initiatives that enhance regulatory efficiency  contribute to a stronger investment climate and further deepen the longstanding economic  partnership between Japan and the Philippines. 

[L-R] Undersecretary Lea-Grace B. Salcedo, Undersecretary Juabilly P. Racho, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, JCCIPI President Shigeru Shimoda, H.E. Ambassador Kazuya Endo, and JCCIPI Vice President Kazuhiro Nomura formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding between ARTA and JCCIPI at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines on 5 August 2026. 

Japan remains one of the Philippines’ largest sources of foreign direct investment, trade, and  development cooperation. The signing of the MOU reflects the shared commitment of ARTA and  JCCIPI to foster a more predictable, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment that supports 

business growth, encourages greater investment, and enhances the Philippines’ competitiveness as  an investment destination. 

As one of the country’s largest foreign business organizations, JCCIPI continues to work closely with  the Philippine Government and its stakeholders in advocating policies that promote sustainable  economic growth, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the enduring economic partnership  between Japan and the Philippines. 

About JCCIPI 

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI) is a non-stock, non profit organization representing nearly 700 Japanese companies and affiliated organizations  operating in the Philippines. Through policy advocacy, business support services, and engagement  with both the Philippine and Japanese governments, JCCIPI promotes increased Japanese investment  and contributes to the continued growth of the Philippine economy.