Author Archives: edcinforms

Unlock Export Success: Join the Cebu Kickoff of the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028


The Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028 begins with its first session in Cebu City (Region VII) and Iloilo City (Region VI) on August 20, 2024. This event will be livestreamed via Zoom and is designed to introduce government programs and services that can help exporters succeed.

Key Objectives of the PEDP Sessions:

  • Promote Government Support: Highlight programs and services aligned with the PEDP.
  • Gather Insights: Collect feedback from exporters through consultations and surveys.
  • Showcase Success: Document and share success stories of Philippine exporters.

Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, with registered attendees receiving logistical details before the event. Continue reading Unlock Export Success: Join the Cebu Kickoff of the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028

ATA Carnet System Launch: A Game-Changer for Philippine Exporters

The Philippines has achieved a major milestone with the grand launch of the ATA Carnet system—a “passport for goods” facilitating the temporary importation of products without customs duties or taxes. Officially launched on July 15, 2024, at the Manila Hotel, this international customs document is set to transform how Philippine businesses engage in global trade.

Key Benefits:

Seamless Trade: The ATA Carnet simplifies participation in trade shows, exhibitions, and international events by eliminating the need for multiple customs declarations.

Cost Efficiency: Businesses can save on import duties and taxes, making international operations more affordable.

Enhanced Global Competitiveness: The system supports the Philippines’ export-led growth strategy and enhances its appeal as a host for global events.

Attractive Investment Destination: By streamlining trade processes, the ATA Carnet system also boosts the Philippines’ attractiveness as an investment destination, encouraging more foreign businesses to consider the country for their international ventures.

Impact on the Economy:

Tourism and Job Creation: By attracting international events, the ATA Carnet system is expected to boost tourism and create employment opportunities.

Economic Development: The system contributes to overall economic growth, positioning the Philippines as a more integrated player in the global market.

Implementation and Support:

Collaborative Effort: The launch is the result of collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Finance, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Export Development Council (EDC).

Capacity Building: The EDC will support capacity-building and advocacy initiatives to ensure businesses are equipped to leverage the ATA Carnet system effectively.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio noted the extensive revisions and effort required to enhance the system, while PCCI President Nina Mangio highlighted its alignment with the Philippine Export Development Plan.

The ATA Carnet system marks a significant step toward greater economic integration and trade facilitation for the Philippines. Exporters should take full advantage of this new tool to streamline their international operations, boost their global presence, and attract investment. FAMD

Marcos Administration Streamlines Business Reforms; DTI Empowers MSMEs for Global Export Success

The Marcos Administration is enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in the Philippines, aiming to create a more efficient environment for exporters. President Marcos’s 2024 State of the Nation Address highlighted reforms in digitalization and process integration, crucial for global competitiveness.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has ensured that local government units (LGUs) comply with electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) requirements, with 1,178 out of 1,634 cities and municipalities now automated, reducing bureaucratic delays for exporters. Continue reading Marcos Administration Streamlines Business Reforms; DTI Empowers MSMEs for Global Export Success

PHILEXPORT’s 3rd Quarter GMM: Driving MSME Competitiveness

PHILEXPORT’s recent General Membership Meeting (GMM) centered on “Building MSME Capacities for Increased Competitiveness.” Dr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. delivered a compelling President’s Report, highlighting critical areas for growth based on recommendations from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The focus was on enhancing human capital, advancing trade and industry, and utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly. Dr. Ortiz-Luis called for a stronger education and human resource development ecosystem.

Key Contributions and Insights: Continue reading PHILEXPORT’s 3rd Quarter GMM: Driving MSME Competitiveness

DTI and PHILEXPORT collaborates to promote Free Trade Agreement benefits 

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Export Development Council Meeting on 11 June 2024 to formalize the partnership between the two organizations in promoting the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) benefits.

Under the MOU, DTI and PHILEXPORT will collaborate on key initiatives such as conduct of a trade education and advocacy (TEA) campaign which includes regular dialogues and consultations on FTAs, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) and other similar accords; carry out capacity-building activities and mentorship programs for exporters; and provide networking and linkage opportunities for businesses and industry associations. Continue reading DTI and PHILEXPORT collaborates to promote Free Trade Agreement benefits 

Exports surge by 26% in April 2024

Merchandise exports surged by 26.4% year-on-year to reach $6.22 billion in April 2024, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This represents a strong recovery in the export sector after a 7.3% decline in March 2024.

The increase in exports was primarily driven by the electronic sector, which contributed $3.57 billion or 57.4% of the total export value. Other key contributors included manufactured goods at $331.3 million (5.3%) and mineral products at $287.65 million (4.6%).  Continue reading Exports surge by 26% in April 2024

BOC revision of rules in Ata Carnet 

The first successful use of the ATA Carnet for temporary admission took place in Switzerland on October 20, 2019, with subsequent operations following in Belgium, China, and Russia. During the pilot phase, participation was limited to selected Customs offices in these four countries. The tests verified that the eATA system functions effectively and that the ICC’s digital tools meet expectations. To support the adoption of eATA Carnets by national Customs agencies, the WCO ATA/Istanbul Administrative Committee approved a standardized notification template on November 16, 2020.

The ATA Carnet is an international Customs document allowing duty-free and tax-free temporary admission of most goods for up to one year. It streamlines the Customs process for countries, businesses, and border agencies by providing unified, ready-to-use declaration forms and eliminating the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit in the country of temporary importation
Continue reading BOC revision of rules in Ata Carnet 

The Philippines and Indonesia successfully conducted the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates

The Philippines participated in e-Phyto certificate  exchange during the 67th ASEAN Single window meeting. E-Phyto serves as the digital counterpart to a phytosanitary certificate, allowing data to be defined and shared in a standardized manner. The Philippines  began exchanging e-Phyto certificates with Indonesia on June 10, 2024, through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) (e-Phyto) Management Portal.

The e-Phyto consists of three main components: the Central Hub that facilitates the transfer of e-Phytos between National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), either through their own national electronic systems or by using the generic system; the Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS)  a web-based platform capable of generating and receiving ePhytos, enabling countries without a national electronic system to create, send, and receive ePhytos; the Harmonization is a structured format of mapping, codes and lists. Continue reading The Philippines and Indonesia successfully conducted the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates

Highlights of the Interagency Strategic Planning for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) – National Coordinating Council (NCC)

Highlights of the Interagency Strategic Planning for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) – National Coordinating Council (NCC)

The two-day Interagency Strategic Planning event for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)—National Coordinating Council (NCC) was a collaborative effort that took place on June 27-28, 2024, in Makati City.

This event, organized in partnership with the UPSKILL project and facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), currently serving as the Interim Secretariat, was a significant step in aligning the agencies’ efforts and setting a clear strategic direction for the future of the PQF-NCC. Continue reading Highlights of the Interagency Strategic Planning for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) – National Coordinating Council (NCC)