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17th March 202517th March 2025

ARTA holds World Bank’s Business Ready Report forum

The Anti-Red Tape Authority conducted a forum entitled “New Insights on the Philippine Business Environment: Exploring the World Bank’s Business Ready Report” to discuss the Business Ready (B-READY) Report, which assessed how prepared the country is in expanding business-friendly programs and policies. The event is in collaboration with the World Bank and attended by key government agencies, various businesses, and academic leaders to explore how the country can enhance the ease of doing business.

17th March 2025

Unlocking VAT Perks: DTI-BIR Consultation Clarifies Zero-Rating for Exporters

The Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) held a Joint Public Consultation (PubCon) on February 19, 2025, to clarify the implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, specifically regarding the Certificate of Zero-VAT Rating for Export-Oriented Enterprises (EOEs).

Held both onsite and online, the consultation tackled the tax treatment of EOEs under the new law. Officials presented the draft Revenue Regulation (RR), draft Joint Administrative Order (JAO), and the procedures for securing a Zero-Rated VAT accreditation certificate. Key speakers included Mr. Jun-Jun B. Andallo, Atty. Brianna Kay De Los Santos, and Ms. Asnia R. Bayabao from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and DTI-EMB.

17th March 2025

Growing Prosperity: Lessons from the 8th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference

Following Bohol’s hosting last year, General Santos City—the Tuna Capital of the Philippines—welcomed delegates to the 8th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference (PIFTC) from February 24-26, 2025, at KCC Mall. Themed “Stimulating Sustainable Economic Growth in Rural Communities through Farm Tourism,” the event provided valuable insights from agricultural experts, farm owners, and industry leaders on advancing farm tourism.

14th February 2025

PHILEXPORT National sets $110 billion goal for 2025 export target

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), has set a more ‘realistic’ $110 billion target for exports in 2025, reflecting a more feasible approach given the current circumstances. In an interview, PHILEXPORT President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. pointed out that, despite this goal, exporters are struggling to thrive, and they are ‘living through chance’ due to a lack of government support. This lack of budget for Philippine exporters has kept them from participating in international fairs and limited the support for product and export development and promotions.

14th February 2025

PCCI Education Committee tackles implementation challenges of Enterprise-Based Education and Training Act

On January 30, 2025, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held its first Education Committee Meeting to discuss the newly enacted Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act (RA No. 12063). The law aims to enhance workforce skills by aligning education with industry needs, addressing job-skills mismatches, and strengthening private-sector collaboration.

14th February 202517th March 2025

BOC-NAIA holds first CICAC general assembly for 2025, strengthens industry collaboration

The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), led by District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, convened its first General Assembly with the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) for 2025.

The assembly provided key updates from 2024, highlighting BOC-NAIA’s border protection efforts and the total number of seized goods by commodity from January to December. Confiscated items included drugs, foreign and local currencies, medicines, and other regulated products.

3rd January 2025

National Exporters’ Week highlights sustainability as key to the future of Philippine exports

The National Exporters’ Week, themed “Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Philippine Exports,” successfully concluded its annual celebration from December 2-6, 2024, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City. The event was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), in partnership with the Export Development Council (EDC) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT).

3rd January 2025

ARTA and WBG collaborates on the Business-Ready initiative

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has partnered with the World Bank Group (WBG) to elevate the Philippines’ ranking within the top 20 percent of the Business Ready (B-READY) report. The report is developed by the WBG, the new corporate flagship publication that assesses the business environment of economies worldwide.

ARTA has been designated by the Office of the President as the Government Focal Point for the B-READY initiative. ARTA will coordinate with government agencies, WBG, and the private sector to implement and integrate recommendations based on the results and assessment.

3rd January 2025

Final Push for Exports: PEDP 2023-2028 culminates in Angeles City

The Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), the Export Development Council (EDC), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) concluded the final Usapang Exports Information Session on the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028: Cascading Government Programs and Services. The event was held on November 14, 2024, at Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.

3rd January 2025

Revive and Thrive: DTI launches zero-interest loans to boost typhoon-hit MSMEs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched the Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing(ERF) Program through the Small Business Corporation to support businesses impacted by Typhoon Kristine. Targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the program offers financial relief for exporters and other businesses seeking to rebuild and strengthen their operations post-disaster.