BACOLOD CITY — The provincial government of Negros Occidental supports an effective and stronger government and private sector partnership to achieve local economic development.
This was underscored by former governor Rafael Coscolluela, who represented Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., in his message at the conference proper of the 27th Visayas Area Business Conference and Expo held at L’Fisher Hotel here Friday.
Coscolluela, who is the Capitol consultant on investment, promotions, export and trade development, said local government chief executives have been encouraged to become champions of local economic development.
However, this has been a challenge because local government units (LGUs) were really not designed to be economic development champions, which business chambers have been performing for many years already.
Coscolluela pointed out the partnership between the government and private sector must focus on the theme of the business conference, which is “Government and Business Partnering for Growth and Development: Building Capacities and Finding Solutions”.
He noted the country is currently facing “very difficult and challenging” times with rising inflation and other things happening, such as climate change affecting the sugar industry, Charter change, and the upcoming 2019 elections.
“We may all find ourselves distracted from paying attention to very important things. Thus, this conference reminds us to remain focus,” Coscolluela said.
“It is incumbent on us in the government and private sector to address these challenges in a strategic manner,” he added.
He also observed that appointed local economic investment promotion officers, whose job is to encourage more investments and help create business-friendly and competitive localities, were really never trained in the task of building local economies.
There is much to be done in terms of capacity building for LGUs to become more effective partners of the private sector, he said, adding that business chambers can play a very large role given their capacities, skills, experience and background.
“So if we can be able to establish effective partnership, I think we can move much faster in establishing business-friendly and competitive LGUs,” Coscolluela added.
He also pushed for an increased participation of the private sector towards making local government more transparent and participative.
Working with LGUs will enable them to make their localities business-friendly, competitive and open to new investments, he added.
The business conference and expo, set from Aug. 29 to 31, was hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Negros Occidental’s provincial government.
It was attended by representatives of businesses, LGUs, and the academe from Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas. (Erwin Nicavera/PNA)
