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Philippines Shines with 5.7% GDP Growth: Exports and Key Sectors Lead the Surge

The Philippines’ latest gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7% in the first quarter of 2024, led by gains in financial and insurance, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing sectors. The services sector rose by 6.9%, industry and agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors by 5.1% and 0.4%, respectively.

Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual noted the DTI’s contributions through business-friendly programs. Merchandise exports increased by 4.8% compared to the previous year, with electronics, mainly semiconductors and electronic data processing, copper concentrates, coconut oil, fresh bananas, and chemicals.

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DTI Inks Tatak Pinoy Act IRR to Boost Filipino Products and Services Globally

On May 22, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual along with Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, the conceptualizer and author of the Act and other notable signatories signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11981, also known as the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act. This legislation aims to support and promote Filipino-made products and services globally.

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EDC and BOC Strengthen Collaboration to Streamline Customs and Boost Trade

The Export Development Council (EDC) has bolstered its collaboration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and its consultative bodies, the Central Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) and BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) CICAC, to streamline customs processes and enhance partnerships between the government and private stakeholders. CICAC acts as a bridge between the BOC and the business-industrial sector, addressing customs and industry-related issues, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening relationships.

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Philippine exports surpassed $100 Billion in 2023

The Philippines achieved a historic milestone in 2023 as the total exports of goods and services reached USD 103.6 billion, marking a remarkable 4.8% increase from the recorded export performance of USD 98.83 billion in 2022. However, this falls short of $23.2 billion below the 2023 target outlined in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). 

Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte of the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), concurrent Executive Director of the Export Development Council (EDC), reported that the Agriculture and Agri-Based Exports sector reached 6.6%, surpassing the 2023 target of 5.1%. Similarly, the ambitious target for the Transport Products also demonstrated significant growth, breaching 5.4% in 2023, exceeding the expected target of 4.2%. 

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ARISE Plus Philippines spearheads AEO program optimization for Bureau of Customs readiness

ARISE Plus Philippines led the workshop on optimizing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program for Bureau of Customs Readiness, focusing on advanced supply chain and logistics principles to raise awareness among economic operators.

The workshop comprised six sessions explaining how the AEO program can serve as a Future Game Changer, highlighting its tangible benefits to companies. Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) and Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) shared their experiences with the AEO program. Topics covered included support for Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs), the use of modern technologies to bolster the AEO, the AEO Scheme for SMEs, and initiatives such as green customs and digitalization.

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EDC to Oversee IBPAP’s call for unified LGU regulations

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid raised the ongoing challenges posed by the inconsistencies in local government rules. These laws and regulations show varying and inconsistent interpretations in few cities. He noted that the Local Government units (LGUs) may have differing procedures for renewing local business permits, with some even requiring employees’ health certificates.

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PH as notable leader – driving global growth in foreseeable future

The Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto reported that the Philippines is the fastest-growing economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leading it to the top (5.6%) based on the actual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Performance of ASEAN in 2023. Sec. Recto presented that the global growth will be led by Asia’s powerhouses for the next decades, notably by the Philippines. Contributing to this is the massive growth of the transportation and storage, construction, and financial services. 

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TIEZA features Online Issuance of Travel Tax Exemption Certificate

To provide convenience and excellent service to PH exporters, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)  features the online issuance of the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC). There is no change in the application procedures; exporters shall file their application for travel tax exemption at the authorized recommending agencies: CITEM, DTI-EMB, BITR, and PHILEXPORT for endorsement to EDC, who in turn approves or disapprove the endorsement to TIEZA to be granted TEC.

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