Author Archives: edcinforms

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

Other Export Updates No Comments

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

Innovation Council of DOST gears up innovation programs

PEDP No Comments

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

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

Human Resource No Comments

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

Legal Framework ratified to implement ASEAN Single Window

Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification No Comments

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

Exporters support establishment of TradeNet

Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification No Comments

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

DILG orders the Suspension of LGU Fees and Taxes

PEDP No Comments

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

PNB launches new credit facility for SMES

Financing No Comments

The Philippine National Bank (PNB), one of the country’s largest private local commercial banks, launched the Small Enterprise Virtual Card for Small Enterprises last 06 March 2017. This new loan facility is fully operational starting 25 March 2017. It is PNB’s financing innovation to SMEs who are looking for additional capital for their business expansion.

Continue reading → PNB launches new credit facility for SMES