DTI intensifies info drive on FTA benefits
Manila Bulletin, Philippines
DTI intensifies info drive on FTA benefits
29 March 2011
MANILA, Philippines – With poor awareness among exporters of trade opportunities under the country’s various free trade agreements, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying its information awareness campaign focusing on the government’s priority exports.
Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said that basic information awareness sessions from March to November this year will focus on sectors such as motor vehicle parts and vehicles, minerals, food, garments and textiles, construction and related materials, coconut products, wearable, home style, and IT/BPO.
“More targeted information sessions will enlighten our businessmen to engage or expand their business according to what is viable in our FTA markets,” Domingo said.
Domingo stressed that understanding emerging and new markets as well as instruments such as free trade agreements (FTAs) will help exporters address new challenges in the global business environment. Last year, the country achieved a record of over $51 billion in exports revenues.
The Philippines has FTAs with ASEAN, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. An FTA with India is due for implementation later this year.
A second round of information sessions targeting specific sectors will be launched on March 31 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).
Earlier, Domingo has noted that the export companies have not fully utilized the FTAs ‘because businessmen are not properly informed of the business opportunities that the country has gained from our FTA.”
Last year, information campaigns were conducted in 11 cities and benefited some 2,000 businessmen.
“Exploring the FTA markets is one of our core strategies to increase our exports over the next six years and sustain its steady growth,” said International Trade Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr.
Cristobal said that this year’s sectoral sessions will include presentations on market opportunities, including non-tariff measures, in the country’s FTA markets; tariff rates of top exports for each sector under the FTAs, rules of origin, open forum, as well as business testimonials from those who have benefited from FTAs. Help desks will also be made available after each session to provide assistance at the company level.
“The FTAs are strategic tools or pathways for growth and competitiveness. Not only do these open markets for our goods and services, but they also compel us, as a people to take a hard look at our economic structures and implement the much needed reforms to put our economy in step with the global environment,” said Cristobal.
Expected to participate in the sessions are exporters, importers, brokers, freight forwarders, business support groups, civil society, NGOs, government agencies, academe, and the media. DBFTA information sessions will be held in Manila, Subic, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Laguna, Aklan, Legaspi, Dipolog, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, and Baguio. (BCM)
