EDC prioritizes Logistics Issues in the National Logistics Master Plan

The Philippines’ first National Logistics Master Plan is seen to address the issues and concerns that affect the competitiveness of the Philippine logistics industry, including the lack of infrastructure and difficulties arising from regulatory bottlenecks.

In the recent EDC Executive Committee meeting, the Department of Trade and Industry Competitiveness Bureau presented the 21-point priority agenda under the four strategies of the National Logistics Master Plan namely: under Infrastructure, Policies, Regulation and Institution.

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Exporters support establishment of TradeNet

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

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

Government agencies show strong support to PEDP 2015-2017

In continuous support to the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), concerned Agencies under the Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 91 are keen on achieving their Programs, Activities and Projects.

In the recent PEDP meeting, the DOH-FDA reported on the full implementation of E-registration of the products which started in October 2016, wherein, the said implementation already includes the medium and the high risk products. Moreover, the issuance of the License to Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) processing are still centralized, Target implementation for the decentralization of issuance of LTO and CPR is seen to happen within the year. Continue reading “Government agencies show strong support to PEDP 2015-2017”

SRA to exporters: to monitor balance of sugar allocation

Deputy Administrator Luis Marajas of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) appealed to processors of sugar-based products to monitor their balance in sugar allocation and promptly apply for Certificate for Sugar Requirement of Processors/Manufacturers of Sugar-based Products for Export.

Mr. Marajas cited that some exporters apply for their sugar allocation only when their balance allocation is depleting. This, according to him would affect the exporters’ production schedule considering that importing sugar usually takes at least one (1) month. Continue reading “SRA to exporters: to monitor balance of sugar allocation”

EDC endorses transport and logistics policy reforms

The Export Development Council, through the recommendation of its Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics, endorses the following policy reforms: (1) Proposed Further Amendments to Commonwealth Act No. 146 or the Public Service Act; (2) Proposed Legislative Measures separating the conflicting functions of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP); and (3) Repeal of Letter of Instructions 1005-A s. 1980 to remove the government share for all cargo-handling contractors and port-related service operators. Continue reading “EDC endorses transport and logistics policy reforms”

ASEAN RoRo to boost Philippines- Indonesia trade

To improve connectivity and boost international trade, the ASEAN RoRo will be launched on 30 April 2017 in Davao City. The maiden voyage send-off ceremony will be led by President Duterte and Indonesian President Widodo.

The new RoRo route will sail to Davao-General Santos-Bitung, Indonesia (D-G-B), a more cost and time-efficient alternative to the usual Manila-Jakarta-Bitung route. It is expected to lessen the cost of shipping by almost US$1,500 per Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU). It will also shorten the shipping time from three-five weeks to only one day and a half of sailing plus port stay. Continue reading “ASEAN RoRo to boost Philippines- Indonesia trade”

First ASEAN RoRo Launched in Davao City

President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo launched the maiden voyage of M/V Super Shuttle, which will conduct a weekly Ro-Ro ferry service for the Davao-General Santos- Bitung, Indonesia (D-G-B) route.
The M/V Super Shuttle RoRo 12, operated by the Asian Marine Transport Corporation, will provide a faster and cheaper route for trad-ing goods among the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA)’s key cities.

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PNB launches new credit facility for SMES

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.

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