Message from CEO and Founder of PHL-X INC
In 2009 I met Philippine Director General Lilia B. de Lima in Auckland, New Zealand, at a meeting organized by the NZ Philippine Business Council where she encouraged me to set up business in the Philippines. As a result, I made my first visit to the Philippines in 2011 with PHL-X INC being incorporated in 2012. Since then, I have made many trips to the Philippines and travelled extensively throughout the country.
What I have found is, multi-national corporations get the red-carpet treatment (understandably – yet their commitment to the country is likely to be only so long as they can hire labor more cheaply here than elsewhere). But the red carpet is quickly rolled away for SME’s – you are largely on your own and have to deal with a myriad of laws and fees that seem to change according to which government officer you talk with. You can waste a lot of time and money if you don’t get the right advice and help from the start.
One of the reasons I started PHL-X was to help other foreigners get over the hurdles, locate the services they need at the local price, and to get established. I also wanted to facilitate trade with the Philippines and to assist foreigners, whether visiting for business or pleasure, to benefit from their experience in the “friendly Philippines.” I’m sure we can help you too.
Paul W. Goodenough