45th PBC&E to focus on ‘digital’ economy

FILE: PH BIZ CONFERENCE, EXPO LAUNCH. Top officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) discuss the highlights of the forthcoming 45th Philippine Business Conference & Expo at the Roma Salon of the Manila Hotel on Friday (Oct. 4, 2019). The annual business summit, slated to be held on October 16-17 this year, with the theme “Enabling Business in a Digital Economy”, will look into the disruptive and transformative effects of the digital economy, and how businesses must prepare for this technology-driven revolution. (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

MANILA — With all the significant technology changes occurring, the business sector needs to leverage on digital technology to transform their businesses, an official of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said.

During the media launch of the forthcoming 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the Manila Hotel on Friday (Oct. 4), Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco, president of the PCCI, said the Chamber will be focusing for the first time on digital technology.

“We wanted to be more pro-active and more forward looking to set the tone on the direction business should now take in terms of firm-level competitiveness. Digital is the new and the future economy. Let us equip our businesses to be adequately prepared to face the challenges the new economy brings,” she said.

Limjoco said this year’s theme “Enabling Business in a Digital Economy,” will look into the dynamics of a digitally driven economy and its impact on people’s growth and business sustainability.

“Business is really going digital and it’s inevitable. (That is why) we are having this discussion and we invited renowned local and international experts in the field of digital economy and technology innovation to share their thoughts, experiences and tips on how business can survive and thrive in a dynamically changing environment,” she said.

For his part, William S. Co, chairman of the 45th PBC, said while digital economy promises to bring opportunities, it also poses uncertainties to business sustainability.

“Digital economy is seen to disrupt and transform traditional business models,” he noted.

Co said the 45th PBC&E will give delegates the opportunity “to see the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) as it affects us in the Philippines and in the global setting.”

The 45th PBC&E will be held on October 16-17 at the Manila Hotel.

PCCI expects over 1,000 delegates composed of business, industry captains, policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps, micro small and medium enterprises, and international chambers to attend the conference.