Business groups on Wednesday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s issuance of Administrative Order (AO) 13, which lifts non-tariff barriers and streamlines procedures to facilitate the importation of agricultural commodities.

In a joint statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) and Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Confederation said the move would address the growing concern on inflation that negatively affects consumers.