Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed to abstain from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, last 12-17 June 2022. The moratorium will expire until the next Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will be held on 31 December 2023, or until 31 March 2024 should MC13 be delayed. The said moratorium was adopted by WTO in 1998 and renewed at successive ministerial conferences.
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Author Archives: edcinforms
EDC forges BOC and DTI-EMB Memorandum Agreement
The Export Development Council (EDC) forges the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) to ink a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the partnership in enhancing trade facilitation and further support the development of the export industry. DOF Secretary Sonny Domiguez and DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez are both optimistic on the agreement.
Continue reading EDC forges BOC and DTI-EMB Memorandum Agreement
Business groups petition: Revoke PPA’s container registry monitoring system
Business groups, including the PHILEXPORT, PCCI, and SCMAP, have signed a solidarity statement calling for the revocation of the Philippine Port Authority’s (PPA) Trusted Operator Program – Container Registry Monitoring System (TOP-CRMS) and Empty Container Storage Shared Service Facility (ECSSSF).
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Unified Logistics Pass launched to boost the logistics sector
Truck operators can now register to get their Unified Logistics Pass (ULP) QR Code in the three participating pilot ecozone ports: Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, and Cavite Export Processing Zone. To register, truck operators may access this link: https://ulp.ltfrb.gov.ph/.
The ULP aims to mitigate truck congestion, streamline requirements, and eradicate pass-through fees to introduce a more business-friendly environment for the logistics sector.
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Philippine Transportation Safety Board, one step closer to its institutionalization
The bicameral conference committee report on the bill institutionalizing the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB) has been ratified by Congress.
According to a PNA article, the chamber approved the final version reconciling the disagreeing provisions of House Bill 9030 and Senate Bill 1077. The PTSB will be an independent and non-regulatory agency under the Office of the President that will ensure the maintenance of a safe, viable, efficient, and dependable transportation system in the country; improve transportation safety measures to prevent accidents, and ensure the implementation of transportation safety standards.
Continue reading Philippine Transportation Safety Board, one step closer to its institutionalization
DOF underscores the Duterte administration’s Game-Changing reforms
Dept. of Finance (DOF) Sec. Sonny Dominguez underscored the Duterte Administration’s socio-economic reforms over the past six years, including the Ease of Doing Business Act which paved the way for efficient delivery of public services. The DTI was also commended for the efficient implementation of this law, which remarkably increased the competitiveness of the country’s business climate. Continue reading DOF underscores the Duterte administration’s Game-Changing reforms
BOC appoints PCCI as the ATA Carnet issuer in the Philippines
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) appoints the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) as the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for the ATA Carnet implementation in the country. PCCI will be the issuer of temporary admission papers, also known as merchandise passports, which allow temporary admission of goods, duties and tax-free for one year (maximum) within and among the ATA Carnet member countries and territories. Continue reading BOC appoints PCCI as the ATA Carnet issuer in the Philippines
DTI gears up digital transformation for MSMEs
The Department of Trade of Industry (DTI) is gearing up digital transformation regarding the formulation and implementation of the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3s) for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the country. While MSME’s contribution to the Philippine economy is impressive, they were also the hardest hit during the pandemic as many businesses had been forced to close down. Nevertheless, one silver lining in this crisis is the Digital Transformation that we are experiencing now. Continue reading DTI gears up digital transformation for MSMEs
SIRI: Move toward Digital Transformation
Living in the modern era, moving forward is one of the ways to elevate and survive different industries in this generation. The manufacturing sector, for instance, is already moving towards digital transformation. In this line, the World Economic Forum introduces one of its projects, the SIRI: Smart Industry Readiness Index. It is a framework and tool that will help the manufacturers to continue and move forward toward digital transformation. Continue reading SIRI: Move toward Digital Transformation
Travel and Tourism competitiveness and resiliency
The 21st World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit on 20-22 April 2022, held in Manila, Philippines, is seen as an opportunity to reopen the country to international visitors and to sustain the Travel and Tourism competitiveness and resiliency.
WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar. This year, industry leaders gathered with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move toward a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Discussed in the Summit are the latest travel trends, sustainable investment prospects, regenerative tourism, and seamless travel in a pandemic era, among others. Continue reading Travel and Tourism competitiveness and resiliency