ARTA, Malaysian Embassy mull programs for BARMM

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and Malaysian Embassy in Manila are exploring programs for areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The future partnerships were discussed during Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino’s courtesy visit to ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez in Jan. 8 at the agency’s central office.

According to the ARTA, BARMM is set to be a priority location for its programs with the Malaysian embassy. These initiatives will aim to target security issues in BARMM by helping to facilitate long-term solutions that will enable businesses to flourish in the area and provide employment opportunities to citizens.

The agency seeks to harness its existing engagements with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI).

Last October 2023, ARTA recognized BBOI’s exemplary efforts in streamlining the ease of doing business in the Bangsamoro government, helping the region become more business-friendly to both local and foreign stakeholders.

ARTA said it will have a courtesy visit with the BARMM Chief Minister scheduled sometime for the first quarter of the year.

As for its the embassy’s ties with ARTA, Ambassador Castelino also discussed possible partnerships with ARTA’s counterpart agencies such as the Malaysian Productivity Corporation and the PEMUDAH (Pasukan Petugas Khas Pemudahcara Perniagaan) or the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

He noted the agency’s pivotal role in “giving confidence to businesses”, saying “its very important [in] any day that you can refer to some jurisdiction. So it’s good that you have that so we can go to you.”

In response, ARTA Secretary Perez expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for continuing to be an active partner in implementing the ease of doing business in the country.

Among the other attendees of the courtesy visit at ARTA were Embassy of Malaysia Counsellor Nurriha Ahmad, Trade Attache Intan Zalani, ARTA Deputy Director General (DDG) for Operations Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia, DDG for Legal Undersecretary Geneses R. Abot, Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Atty. Concepcion Zeny Ferrolino-Enad.