PCCI concludes the study on Identifying and Addressing PH Free Trade Agreements Utilization Gaps


On 18 April 2024, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Human Resources Development Foundation, Inc. (PCCI HRDF) wrapped up its study on Identifying and Addressing Philippine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Utilization Gaps. They conducted a presentation and validation seminar attended by various stakeholders and government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Korea Trade Network (KTNET), among others. 

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Driving Innovation: Highlights from the 1st TW-PH International Tech Summit

The 1st International Tech Summit between Taiwan and the Philippines, jointly hosted by IMMORTA Corporation and the Taiwan National Development Council, was recently concluded on 25 April 2024 at the Shangri-la The Fort, Manila. The event aimed to foster collaboration and innovation between the two countries.

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Pioneering Progress: Insights into the Philippine Logistics Sector

The 7th Logistics Summit, held on April 26, 2024, at The Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, brought together industry leaders and professionals to explore the future trajectory of logistics in the Philippines. Hosted by the Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA) and the United Port Users Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. (UPC), the summit centered on the theme “Innovations and Trends in Logistics: Navigating Through the Future.”

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Revitalizing Supply Chains: DTI’s Strategic Roadmap for a Thriving Philippines

Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco addressed the Logistics Summit 2024, outlining key Supply Chain and Logistics Issues in the Philippines, such as Infrastructure, Skills, Land, Sea, Air, and Digitalization. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) responded by launching initiatives to (1) Ensure accessible and affordable food, (2) Implement targeted interventions for priority industries, and (3) Foster industries meeting domestic demand.

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Introducing HOFFA: Revolutionizing Freight Forwarder Accreditation

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its partnered agencies are advocating for the establishment of a unified accreditation system for air and sea freight forwarders, known as Harmonized Online Freight Forwarding Accreditation (HOFFA).

DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco mentioned that 90% of the system has already been completed, with the remaining 10% focused on tasks like data migration and aligning reports.

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Philippine exports surpassed $100 Billion in 2023

The Philippines achieved a historic milestone in 2023 as the total exports of goods and services reached USD 103.6 billion, marking a remarkable 4.8% increase from the recorded export performance of USD 98.83 billion in 2022. However, this falls short of $23.2 billion below the 2023 target outlined in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). 

Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte of the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), concurrent Executive Director of the Export Development Council (EDC), reported that the Agriculture and Agri-Based Exports sector reached 6.6%, surpassing the 2023 target of 5.1%. Similarly, the ambitious target for the Transport Products also demonstrated significant growth, breaching 5.4% in 2023, exceeding the expected target of 4.2%. 

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ARISE Plus Philippines spearheads AEO program optimization for Bureau of Customs readiness

ARISE Plus Philippines led the workshop on optimizing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program for Bureau of Customs Readiness, focusing on advanced supply chain and logistics principles to raise awareness among economic operators.

The workshop comprised six sessions explaining how the AEO program can serve as a Future Game Changer, highlighting its tangible benefits to companies. Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) and Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) shared their experiences with the AEO program. Topics covered included support for Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs), the use of modern technologies to bolster the AEO, the AEO Scheme for SMEs, and initiatives such as green customs and digitalization.

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EDC to Oversee IBPAP’s call for unified LGU regulations

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid raised the ongoing challenges posed by the inconsistencies in local government rules. These laws and regulations show varying and inconsistent interpretations in few cities. He noted that the Local Government units (LGUs) may have differing procedures for renewing local business permits, with some even requiring employees’ health certificates.

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PH as notable leader – driving global growth in foreseeable future

The Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto reported that the Philippines is the fastest-growing economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leading it to the top (5.6%) based on the actual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Performance of ASEAN in 2023. Sec. Recto presented that the global growth will be led by Asia’s powerhouses for the next decades, notably by the Philippines. Contributing to this is the massive growth of the transportation and storage, construction, and financial services. 

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TIEZA features Online Issuance of Travel Tax Exemption Certificate

To provide convenience and excellent service to PH exporters, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)  features the online issuance of the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC). There is no change in the application procedures; exporters shall file their application for travel tax exemption at the authorized recommending agencies: CITEM, DTI-EMB, BITR, and PHILEXPORT for endorsement to EDC, who in turn approves or disapprove the endorsement to TIEZA to be granted TEC.

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