Home » Economic Governance » Economic Reform Programs » EMERGE
Economic Modernization through Efficient Reforms and Governance Enhancement (EMERGE) Project
OBJECTIVES
The EMERGE Project helps institute reforms that promote sustainable economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of the Philippine economy by supporting the efforts of pro-liberalization partners and stakeholders.
The EMERGE Project focuses on policy reform related to trade, investment, and fiscal reforms that are essential for accelerated and sustainable growth. The goal is to enhance Philippine competitiveness by increasing investment opportunities, improving inter- and intra-sector efficiency, and boosting business efficiency.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES
In order to reach its overall economic reform goals, the EMERGE Project provides assistance in the form of:
-
Policy and regulatory analysis;
Activities that broaden the constituency for reform (e.g., dissemination of technical information and analytical results, designing public education programs); and
Technical assistance in reform drafting and/or implementation.
POLICY REFORM THEMES
In support of the Philippine Medium Term Development Plan, the EMERGE Project's technical assistance addresses the following four policy reform themes:
-
Fostering an improved and sustainable fiscal position by raising national tax and revenue effort and developing efficiency in public sector expenditure management;
Improving competitiveness and expanding trade and investments by enhancing trade liberalization and facilitation as well as reducing policy-induced restrictions and transactions cost of investments;
Raising investment efficiency in infrastructure sectors by lowering the cost of inter-island shipping and road transport, advancing telecommunications liberalization, strengthening the role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in infrastructure development, and reinforcing sustainable private sector participation in infrastructure;
Promoting a well-functioning financial system through competitive parity by recognizing the differentiated roles performed by different submarkets such as equity, fixed income, foreign currencies and derivatives, and treating them as both complements and substitutes.
REFORM GOALS
The specific goals of reform under the major policy reform themes include:
Sustainable Fiscal Position
-
Improved tax administration
Sustained increase in tax collection
Streamlined agencies
Streamlined budgets
Procurement reform implemented
Expanded Trade and Investments
-
Tariff restrictions and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) eased
Trade facilitated
Administration of SPS measures streamlined
Agriculture biotechnology safely and responsibly used
Investment climate improved
Investment facilitated
More Competitive and Efficiently Regulated Infrastructure
-
Inter-island shipping cost reduced
Ports efficiency increased
Roads adequately maintained
Telecommunications access increased and costs lowered
ICT institutions expanded and developed
LGU capacities for infrastructure development strengthened
BOT contract governance improved
Private sector participation enhanced through privatization
Vibrant Banking and Capital Markets
-
A unified strategic approach among stakeholders adopted
Supervisory oversight and regulatory practices improved
World-class support infrastructure developed
Impediments from the primary markets removed
Credible and transparent market prices instilled
PARTNERSHIPS
Manned by Filipino and international experts, the EMERGE Project responds to requests for assistance from government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
EMERGE facilitates working relationships with its counterparts by providing technical assistance in various reform areas identified by a multi-sectoral oversight committee called the Policy Advisory Council chaired by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
At the same time, EMERGE coordinates its efforts closely with the other implementers of USAID/Philippines' Targeted Interventions in Economic Reform and Governance (TIERG) Program, i.e., the two Filipino institutional grantees, the Ateneo de Manila University Consortium (EPRA Project - Economic Policy Reform and Advocacy Project) and the De La Salle University Angelo King
Institute - Philexport Consortium (PACT Project - Partnership and Advocacy for Competitiveness and Trade Project), the Rule of Law Effectiveness (ROLE) Project, and other donor agencies to ensure that the Philippine government counterparts receive complete packages of technical assistance.
Upon the request of its counterparts, EMERGE undertakes rigorous technical analysis and supports policy initiatives to help identify and effectively implement economic policy reforms. Advisors and consultants are mobilized from the Philippines' leading firms and universities, as well as from international sources. EMERGE also arranges training, workshops and study tours for decision and policy makers.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. C. Stuart Callison (Chief of Party)
Unit 2003 139 Corporate Center
139 Valero St., Salcedo Village
Makati City, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 752-0881 to 85
Fax No. (632) 752-2225
E-mail: stucallison@yahoo.com