MANILA, Philippines — Entrepreneurs can now register their businesses through a new government website in just a few minutes.

President Benigno S. Aquino III launched Friday the Philippine Business Registry (PBR), an online one-stop-shop for people seeking business permits without the hassle of red tape.

PBR, found on www.business.gov.ph, provides faster process for business registration and development.

It allows businessmen to transact with various government agencies even without their presence.

Among the agencies linked in the PBR are Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG fund, Philippine Health and Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

President Aquino, however, did not deliver any speech and instead got a briefing on how the new business registration system works.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte lauded the new business registry, saying it provides “a one-stop-shop, whether online or at a single office: A process that once would have taken days, could now be accomplished in a matter of minutes.”

“The launch of the PBRS represents a significant stride in our administration’s continuing efforts to streamline government processes and reduce red tape. Furthermore, this system means a level playing field for investors and entrepreneurs, and both SMEs and corporations, will find that it is now easier to set up shop in the Philippines,” Valte said.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo likewise cited that the government intends to streamline the process of doing business in the country as well as combat red tape in the bureaucracy.

Quezon City is already linked to the PBR, while the cities of Caloocan and Mandaluyong will be connected to the system soon.

The DTI also plans to set up PBR kiosks in other local government units to facilitate swift business registration.