Category Archives: Latest News

Bareboat chartering possible to address lack of vessel spaces

Dr. Enrico Basilio, Chairman of the Export Development Council’s Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics (EDC-NCTL), called for support for bareboat chartering by the Filipino Shipowners Association (FSA) to address the issue of lack of vessel spaces.

Bareboat chartering is defined as leasing an entire vessel under an agreement whereby the lessor only provides the bare vessel. The vessel’s operation is not included in the lease; hence the charterer must arrange for the staffing of the Ship’s Captain and its crew. Continue reading Bareboat chartering possible to address lack of vessel spaces

BDO Kabuhayan loan to aid MSMEs amidst the pandemic

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to thrive amidst the problematic economic landscape brought about by the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic.

BDO Network Bank, the rural banking subsidiary of BDO Unibank, Inc., is offering financing opportunities for MSMEs that aim to expand, and at the same time, offer them easy loan payments. Continue reading BDO Kabuhayan loan to aid MSMEs amidst the pandemic

New JMC prompt LGUs not to impose fees and taxes on the transport of goods and products

 

A Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) was issued to prompt local government units (LGUs) not to impose fees and taxes relative to the transport of goods and products. It is a tripartite effort by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), with the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Local Government Supervision (DILG-BLGS), and Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF-BLGF).
Continue reading New JMC prompt LGUs not to impose fees and taxes on the transport of goods and products

Amendment of Public Service Act aimed to be passed in Duterte administration

The bill amending the Public Service Act is aimed to be passed within the remaining term of the Duterte Administration.

Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Dominguez reported during his Sulong Pilipinas 2021 speech that to fully liberalize the Philippine economy, amendments to the Foreign Investments Act, The Public Service Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will be pushed through as these three bills are certified as urgent by the President. Continue reading Amendment of Public Service Act aimed to be passed in Duterte administration

House Committee on Transportation pushes bills urgent to address high international shipping cost

The House Committee on Transportation pushes house bills as URGENT to regulate international shipping line charges in the Philippines.

The issue of high shipping cost has been a long-standing problem in the country, and house bills 4462 and 4316 acknowledge that it has been prevailing since not one agency once stepped in and addressed it.

House Bill 4462 sponsored by Rep. Ong, once passed, will vest the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) the power to promote fair and transparent destination and other shipping charges among forwarders and agents of international shipping lines. Continue reading House Committee on Transportation pushes bills urgent to address high international shipping cost

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. Continue reading The Global Islamic Economy adapts to the new normal

Duterte empowers streamlining initiatives by creating a Cabinet-Level Office to cut red tape

President Rodrigo Duterte created the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Streamlining of Government Process (OPASGP) through  Executive Order (EO) no. 129 signed 13 April 2021. Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr., as the newly appointed Presidential Adviser to streamline government processes will work closely with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

EO no. 129 aims to ensure harmonization, integration, and non-duplication of all government initiatives on ease of doing business which heighten the mandates stipulated under the Republic Act (RA) no. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

Moreover, the EO shall “advise and recommend to the President or the ARTA, evidence-based policies, programs, measures and strategies that will further simplify processes and cut red-tape in the Executive branch as well as Local Government Units (LGUs) and expedite the delivery of public goods and services to the Filipino people.”  

With this, exporters may look forward to better governance and ease in doing business in the country.-MRJ

Continue reading Duterte empowers streamlining initiatives by creating a Cabinet-Level Office to cut red tape

PH export products in digital international exhibitions

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will promote PH products for export in its signature events. However, this time the exhibits will be digital as the pandemic prevents buyers from physically experiencing the products.

Continue reading PH export products in digital international exhibitions

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.

Based on Mintel’s research, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics will be the next frontier ingredients in products that can play a functional role for foods and drinks to help consumers support their immune system by keeping their digestive healthy. Continue reading Consumer demand for healthier food ingredients

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