Rizal Hall, Malacañang
February 20, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the induction of the incoming board of directors of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.), Inc. (FICCI) at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The inductees was led by Rex Daryanani, President of FICCI, together with 10 incoming FICCI board of directors.

In his message, the President assured the Indian businessmen that he would support them to cut red tape. “As much as possible, we want you to be comfortable. There is an ease of doing business and I am here as your President… and I am telling you, I would want to cut red tape,” he said.

He further directed his department secretaries to issue business permits in one month, with its directors to issue permits in two weeks. Adding that if they would not comply, they would be dismissed from office.

The President also reiterated the government’s anti-drug campaign, announcing the extension of term in office of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, hinting that he still needs his services in the PNP.

In closing, the President encouraged the FICCI to file their complaints directly to him and urged them not to participate in corruption.

The FICCI is the leading premier Business Chamber and frontrunner of Indian trade and investment in the Philippines, and stands to this day as the oldest Indian Chamber outside India since it was founded in 1951.

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