The Global Islamic Economy adapts to the new normal

The Global Islamic economy adapts to the new normal in the global market, which involves Halal food, modest fashion, media & recreation, Muslim-friendly travel, Halal pharmaceuticals, Halal cosmetics, and Islamic finance. 

The Halal food industry continues to grow even if the meat supply chain has been disrupted by the pandemic. Consumers were exposed to the consumption of alternatives to animal protein (e.g., plant-based burgers). Halal cosmetics were also affected, but the industry remains resilient and adapted to the trend in the new normal, which created the opportunity for new product lines such as hand and face creams and sanitizers.

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Consumer demand for healthier food ingredients


Exporters foresee consumer demand for healthier food ingredients trending in the next two years as London-based market research firm Mintel Group Ltd forecasted consumers will demand food ingredients that will benefit their physical and mental health. Consumers are now seeking ways to help strengthen their immune system and protect them against the Covid-19 virus.

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Free Pesticide Residue Analysis test for agricultural export products reinstated by DA

Secretary of Agriculture William Dar directed the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and its satellite laboratories to reinstated the free Pesticide Residue Analysis (PRA) tests to duly accredited exporters and farmers in order to boost the country’s agricultural exports.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) released Administrative Order No. 11, discontinuing the charging of fees for all fresh and primary processed fruits and vegetables for export. This came about as the result of an appeal to the DA and BPI made by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and the Philippine Food Exporters (PHILFOODEX), led by EDC Vice Chair Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. and EDC Agriculture Sector Representative Roberto Amores.

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TIEZA promotes the online release of the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) promotes the online release of the  Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC). This initiative makes it easier for the traveling exporter to get their TEC online. 

Once TIEZA approves the online application, exporters can print the TEC at the convenience of their home or office.  The following requirements are to be observed by exporters in applying for the online release of TEC:

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First virtual National Export Congress 2020 highlights digitalization to invigorate export

The first virtual National Export Congress (NEC) 2020 underscores “Digitalization Boost: Invigorating Exports in the New Normal” as its theme this year. The recently concluded event was a success with a broader audience reach nationwide, having participated virtually by over a thousand participants via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube on 03 December 2020.  

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SheTrades Hub launch empowers PH women entrepreneurs to go global

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) virtually launched the first-ever SheTrades hub in Asia held on 03 December 2020.  The Shetrades hub seeks to connect three million PH women entrepreneurs to the global market by 2021 and provide women entrepreneurs and women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises worldwide with a unique network and platform to connect to the global markets.

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Quality Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) to enhance the Philippine trade environment

A forum on “Moving Towards Quality Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) was conducted to advance the goal of quality NTMs in the country, its relevance, and issues stemming from it. It aims to provide updates on measures taken by the government arising from the results of the business survey on NTMs conducted by the International Trade Center (ITC) in 2016, collaborate with key private sector stakeholders on moving towards quality NTMs noting current industry accounts on trade facilitation. In addition, it also aims to foster knowledge and experience sharing among different government agencies that carry out NTMs and its formulation and implementation. Finally, to review the current governance and set gears for an inter-agency collaboration on NTMs. Continue reading “Quality Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) to enhance the Philippine trade environment”