Quezon City: Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez has announced an ambitious goal to elevate the Philippines into the top 20 percent of the World Bank Group's Business Ready (B-Ready) Report rankings by 2028, coinciding with the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration. Perez emphasized the strategic importance of this ranking as it significantly influences foreign business investment decisions. According to Philippines News Agency, Perez shared this objective during a yearend press conference in Quezon City. He stated that President Marcos Jr. has appointed ARTA as the focal point for the annual B-Ready Report, which debuted in 2023. Although the President has not set a specific target, Perez is committed to achieving a position within the top 20 percent by the end of the current administration. The B-Ready Report, launched by the World Bank, evaluates the business and investment climates of economies based on three key pillars: Regulatory Framework, Public Service s, and Operational Efficiency. In the inaugural report published in October 2024, the Philippines was ranked among the top 40 percent of 50 economies in the pilot phase. The country performed notably well in the Regulatory Framework pillar, securing the 16th position, yet lagged in Public Services and Operational Efficiency. Perez highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to address regulatory bottlenecks and improve infrastructure and service delivery. He stressed the importance of a whole-of-government approach to enhance the country's B-Ready ranking, which ultimately serves as a critical benchmark for international investors. In a bid to streamline operations and improve efficiency, ARTA plans to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in its processes starting next year. ARTA will implement the Electronic Complaints Management System, integrating AI to handle red tape issues more effectively. ARTA Undersecretary Geneses Abot noted that AI would enable 24/7 complaint processing and facilitate the identi fication of prevalent concerns and erring government offices, both nationally and locally.