Posted on

DTI-EMB gears up for PEDP 2018-2022

The Depart-ment of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) is crafting the new Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) for 2018-2022.

The PEDP 2018-2022 will be anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the 10-point socio economic agenda of the President and the existing PEDP 2015-2017. New export strategies and programs to boost export performance will also be adopted to achieve the export target of $122B-130B by the end of the term.

Essential to the development and crafting of the PEDP is the effective consultation among the stakeholders. Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) commenced last 25 August 2017 in the National Capital Region. The next FGDs will be in Cebu on 27 September 2017 and Davao on 29 September 2017.-Piercy Kieth Cezar

Posted on

EDC revises Vision and Mission

The Export Development Council (EDC) issued Resolution No. 04, series of 2017 adopting the revised EDC Vision which envisions “Philippines as a a competitive, intelligent, and innovation-driven exporting nation”. To reach this vision, the EDC adjusted its mission to “Nurturing an environment for exporters to thrive, enabling them to contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and equitable growth”.

The resolution also includes the adoption of EDC core values which are: trailblazing, an innovative key player in the export arena; collaborative, as a public-private partnership, consultation among relevant stakeholders is observed; and resolute which signifies EDC’s strong determination to achieve its goals.

As a response to the strategic external trade policy regime emphasized in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, EDC looked to develop the abilities of Philippine enterprises to efficiently compete in the global markets through engaging in policy reforms for trade facilitation and ease of doing business. The vision, mission, and core values serve as a framework on how the different government programs, activities and projects (PAPs) will be aligned with the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022. -Ma. Divine Grace T. Derez

Posted on

DTI-DOLE issues Joint Order on guidelines for garment industry availing GSP

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently signed Joint Department Order No. 01 of 2017 which sets guidelines in the issuance, suspension or revocation of certificates of accreditation to garment manufacturers, exporters and sub-contractors who would want to avail preferential tariff under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The said DO also creates a Workers’ Rights Review Committee.

The DTI- Accrediting Board through the Board of Investments- Incentives Administration Service shall issue the Certificate of Accreditation provided that the applicant complies with the prescribed labor standards. The accreditation shall be mandatory and has a validity period of three (3) years from its issuance. An applicant whose accreditation is suspended may request to lift the suspension after three (3) months. Accreditation that had been revoked may reapply after six (6) months.

The Workers’ Rights Review Committee will be chaired by DOLE. The Committee shall conduct an audit of the applicant’s compliance with labor standards.- Ma. Divine Grace T. Derez

Posted on

Revised Application Form for Travel Tax Exemption to be implemented in September 2017

Exporters are advised to use the new Travel Tax Exemption Form starting September 2017. Said form can be downloaded at www.edc.net.ph/travel-tax-exemption

The Technical Working Group of Executive Order (EO) 589, recently approved the new Travel Tax Exemption Application Form. An additional feature will help exporters to find new buyers through the online business matching system of the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau. Exporters are encouraged to register/ update their company profile thru http://businessmatching.dti.gov.ph, for real time online business matching of exporters with foreign buyers.

EO 589 Exempts Exporters from paying the travel tax when joining international trade fairs, exhibitions, selling missions, conferences, among others. For queries, please contact Ms. Mafe Largo through telephone no. 465.3300 local 303 or email at exportdevelopmentcouncil@edc.net.ph. – Marife G. Largo

Posted on

Innovation Council of DOST gears up innovation programs

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has transformed its Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) to be the Innovation Council.

One initiative of the Innovation Council is the Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) Support Program that aims to improve their productivity and competitiveness through consultations and trainings.

The Council is also developing a new program for startups. It has called for Proposals for Startups Research Grant. The proposals should be geared towards translating early stage technologies into market ready products to overcome R&D roadblocks, strengthen intellectual property, establish initial market traction and to refine business model.

The Council is also eyeing proposals that will provide funding support to graduate students and faculty members who will conduct research projects directed towards developing emerging technologies and exploring innovations in the areas of materials research, electronics, and applied physics.

For other programs and further details, visit the DOST-PCIEERD website at http://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/ – Piercy Kieth Cezar

Posted on

“SIGASIG” – Theme of the 7th National Education Forum

Strengthening Industry – Government-Academe Linkage towards Sustainable and Innovative Growth (SIGASIG) is this year’s theme for the 7th National Education Forum slated on August 31, 2017, from 8:00 AM to 5 PM.

The main objective of the forum is to strengthen collaboration between and among industry-academe and government to attain employment generation, labor efficiency, global competitiveness and sustainable and innovative economic growth. It is also intended to strengthen complementation and productive partnership between the business sectors, academe and government for a well-established and sustainable industry-government-academe linkage (IGAL); promote IGAL collaboration and partnership as a model of public policy; document and monitor IGAL activities as well as lessons learned and best practices; generate, adapt and disseminate knowledge and information of the benefits of a well- established IGAL, and foster a healthy and vibrant relationship with industry, universities as well as the government in changing the economic landscape of the country through education reforms.

The said event will be attended by the academe, government, industry people and practitioners and collaborators of Industry-Government-Academe Linkages.

EDC encourages interested parties to attend. Venue is at at the 3/F, BA Securities hall, Commerce and Industry Bldg., No. 1030 Campus Avenue, cor. Park Avenue, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

For more information contact Ms. Grace Morella at telephone number 846-8196 local 107.- Grace T. Mirasol

Posted on

Legal Framework ratified to implement ASEAN Single Window

The Philippines has ratified the Protocol on the Legal Framework (PLF) to implement the ASEAN Single Window (ASW). The instrument of ratification was signed by the President on 28 June 2017. The ASW is an electronic gateway that provides seamless and simplified information among ASEAN member states.

This means that the Philippines can now electronically receive and send certificates of origin under the ASEAN Trade in Goods agreement (ATIGA Form D), the document needed to avail of the preferential tariff agreement.

Other cross-border documents will also be exchanged under the ASW Gateway in the future. With this, it will facilitate trade between the Philippine and ASEAN neighbors.

Eventually, the ASW connection will help the Philippines to increase its competitiveness in terms of ease of doing business (EODB), and will increase the transparency of cargo processing by providing more accurate, timely, and cost-efficient exchange of information.- Asnia R. Bayabao & Aira Angel S. Baleos

Posted on

EDC prioritizes Logistics Issues in the National Logistics Master Plan

The Philippines’ first National Logistics Master Plan is seen to address the issues and concerns that affect the competitiveness of the Philippine logistics industry, including the lack of infrastructure and difficulties arising from regulatory bottlenecks.

In the recent EDC Executive Committee meeting, the Department of Trade and Industry Competitiveness Bureau presented the 21-point priority agenda under the four strategies of the National Logistics Master Plan namely: under Infrastructure, Policies, Regulation and Institution.

Continue reading “EDC prioritizes Logistics Issues in the National Logistics Master Plan”

Posted on

Exporters support establishment of TradeNet

The export sector fully supports the establishment of the TradeNet which aims to harmonize government trade processes and gradually reduce red-tape in the paperless processing of import and export permits.

The TradeNet will serve as an automated permit, licensing and clearance system integrated into one platform for 66 Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGAs) and 10 economic zones. It will cover the functions of the National Single Window (NSW). Continue reading “Exporters support establishment of TradeNet”

Posted on

DILG orders the Suspension of LGU Fees and Taxes

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in its Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2017-23 mandates the Suspension of Local Government Unit (LGU) Imposition and Collection of Illegal Fees and Taxes.

Guidelines on the said MC is in pursuant to Section 133 (e) of the Local Government Code directing the LGUs to refrain from enforcing any existing ordinance authorizing the levy of fees and taxes on inter-province transport of goods, regulatory fees from passengers in local ports, and other additional taxes, fees or charges in any form upon transporting goods and passengers.The MC issued by the DILG supports the Strategy 2: Remove unnecessary impediments to the free flow of goods and services under the Philippine Export Development Plan 2015-2017.- Piercy Kieth Cezar