ARTA, Malaysia eye expanded collaboration in BARMM
THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said it will explore further collaborative projects with Malaysia in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In a statement on Tuesday, ARTA said Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony proposed the expanded collaboration on Monday via memoranda of understanding with Malaysian entities.
Mr. Castelino said that ARTA should partner with the Malaysian Productivity Corp. and PEMUDAH (Pasukan Petugas Khas Pemudahcara Perniagaan) or the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business.
“Moving forward, the partnership between ARTA and the Malaysian Embassy is set to include the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in its priorities,” ARTA said.
It added that both parties’ interest is to provide solutions to the security issues in the region which are expected to encourage the establishment of businesses and the creation of jobs in the region.
ARTA is also scheduled to meet with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments in the first quarter.
During his visit, Mr. Castelino welcomed ARTA’s role in opening up key industries, including energy.
In November 2022, the government allowed full foreign ownership in the renewable energy industry, which had previously been limited to 40%.
“ARTA’s presence is important in giving confidence to businesses,” he said.
He also expressed interest in ARTA’s upcoming Economic & Ease of Doing Business Briefing on Jan. 24 with Secretary Frederick D. Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. — Justine Irish D. Tabile