Gov. Edgar Chatto and DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu lead the ceremonial tree planting to launch the Peace Pocket Forest project in Barangay Cogon, Balilihan. The activity is in collaboration with the 47th Infantry Battalion, the Provincial Government, LGU Balilihan, and the DENR. Cimatu is guest of honour during the celebration of the 37th founding anniversary of the Katapatan Battalion. A simultaneous tree planting was conducted by civic groups. (EDCOM)
The Department of Trade and Industry through its Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI‐CITEM) is keen on attracting more investments for the country’s booming energy sector through export promotion activities in the upcoming Hannover Messe to be held in Hannover, Germany, on April 23 to 27, 2018.
“We are elevating trade and investment promotion to a whole new level as we tap our partners for inclusive growth from the energy sector in a collective participation in this world’s most important industrial tradeshow and the largest capital goods exhibition in Germany,” said DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group (TIPG) Nora K. Terrado.
With the theme “Solutions for the New Era of Energy,” the energy sector of Hannover Messe 2018 will focus on innovative technologies for electric power systems to become more flexible, to intelligently connect sectors, and to engage new market participants amid an increasingly decentralized global energy chain.
Hannover Messe covers the world’s five industrial value‐adding chain under one roof, namely (1) energy; (2) integrated automation, motion and drivers (IAMD); (3) industrial supply; (4) research and technology; and (5) digital factory.
“As a global gathering of key industry players, Hannover Messe is the prime platform to drumbeat and build up investor confidence on the Philippines as a global powerhouse of renewable energy and other relevant technologies,” said Terrado.
In 2017, the Germany‐based event gathered 6,500 companies from over 70 nations and was attended by 225,000 visitors and trade buyers across the world, generating around 5.6 million partnerships, business models and other contacts.
Aside from renewable energy, the Philippines through DTI will also seek to secure investments for local stakeholders in energy efficiency, conservation, and transmission in the Philippines.
In preparation for Hannover Messe, Undersecretary Terrado said they are gathering a pool of 15 Philippine companies that represent the nation’s best foot forward in terms of energy systems, technology, services and other industrial goods.
“Through this synergy among stakeholders, we will be able to seal partnerships with foreign investors and mobilize much‐needed funding and infrastructure to our energy players,” explained Terrado.
“It will also give motivation to our local energy stakeholders to fast‐track efforts towards the mainstream use of renewable energy sources in the Philippines as more and more countries have started their industrial shift towards more sustainable power sources,” she added.
Business‐matching meetings between Philippine renewable energy companies to potential investors, technology adapters, developers, suppliers and other local energy stakeholders are also expected to take place in the international tradeshow.
PH shifts to renewable energy
Renewable energy is defined as energy generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished which includes biomass, geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and ocean energy under the PEP 2012‐2030.
In photo: Bagui Wind Farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
It has been identified in the country’s Investment Priority Plan 2017‐2019 as an emerging sector that needs government intervention particularly in export promotion.
Based on a DOE’s Philippine Power Situation Report, the country’s total power capacity in 2016 is at 53.16 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE) with renewable energy occupying the second largest share at 32.5%, only next to coal at 34.6%. The top renewable energy sources in the Philippines are hydropower (16.9%) and geothermal (8.9%), followed by biomass, wind, and solar (6.6%).
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr signed a Memorandum of Agreement on 15 March 2018 to provide free wi-fi and learning modules to DTI’s Negosyo Centers.
Through the agreement, DICT will provide selected DTI Negosyo Centers with free internet access, ICT equipment, and access to its Tech4ED Project.
DICT’s PipolKonek Project gives free internet access to public places such as public schools, libraries, and local government units. To date, PipolKonek has already provided internet access to 44 out of the current 805 Negosyo Centers.
Negosyo Centers will also carry DICT’s Tech4ED Project, a platform that offers digital literacy and other skills training; an eMarketplace; and a one-stop-shop for government applications, among others.
The two agencies see digital literacy as a potential catalyst for the growth of MSMEs. Tech4ED offers “ICT for Entrepreneurs”—where micro entrepreneurs are trained to create their own website and use the internet to increase their market reach.
“This convergence of the DICT and DTI will arm the entrepreneurs, especially in the regions, with the tools they need to develop and innovate on their products and conduct their business online. Connectivity and digital literacy are the future-proof ways to help those at the bottom of the pyramid,” said Secretary Lopez.
Further plans include merging existing Tech4ED Centers and Negosyo Centers since some of them are housed in the same local government units. The DICT is also open to host DTI’s educational materials in the Tech4ED platform.
“The DICT’s main objective is to facilitate connectivity. We are thus counting on our partner agencies like the DTI to provide tools and content that will benefit the public,” said Secretary Rio.
CALABARZON Regional MSME Development Council focuses on MSME growth. The Department of Trade and Industry Region 4-A recently hosted a Special Organizational Meeting of the CALABARZON Regional MSME Development Council to help promote, support, and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. The meeting also discussed the MSME Development Plan 2017-2022 with business environment, business capacity, and business opportunities as its focus areas. The development plan serves as the scheme for the convergence of initiatives adopted and implemented by different stakeholders towards growth and development of Philippine MSMEs. The MSME Development Plan 2017-2022 also takes into consideration global issues and provides cross-cutting strategies such as expanding MSME assistance centers, promoting women and youth entrepreneurship, strengthening the role of the local government units, maximizing opportunities in the digital and internet economy, and promoting green growth. In photo are (from L-R) Development Bank of the Philippines Account Officer Assistant John Gendric E. Flores, Director Jerry Clavesillas, DTI-4A Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo, DTI-Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes Parreño, and Rizal Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Milagros Trias
In photo (from L-R): Philippine Commercial Counsellor to Beijing Mr. Glenn Peñaranda, EMB Director Senen Perlada, DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, Secretary Ramon Lopez, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, Ministry of Commerce Deputy Director General Liu Jun, and Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial Counsellor Jin Yuan during the high-level meeting on the sidelines of the CIIE information roadshow in Manila.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is working closely with the private sector in preparation for the country’s participation at the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai, China on 5-10 November 2018.
On 15 March 2018, DTI jointly organized with Embassy of People’s Republic of China in the Philippines an information session about the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). The event was fully supported by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Bank of China (BoC). The event served as an avenue to encourage more Philippine companies to join the said exposition in November.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez further emphasized the blooming relations between China and the Philippines reflected in China’s strong support by opening up its market to Philippine companies.
“The expo is the only trade show in China to date that will feature foreign exhibitors. No Chinese companies on the exhibit floor. But there will be Chinese buyers present, as well as buyers from all over the world at the event,” explained Secretary Lopez.
“I ask Filipino businesses to participate and take this opportunity to showcase the trade capabilities of the Philippines,” urged Secretary Lopez.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman Emeritus Dr. Francis Chua, who served as the moderator for the first part of the information session urged Philippine companies to join PCCI and DTI in showcasing Philippine goods and services at the CIIE. “Sign up because fortune is awaiting for you in Shanghai,” urged Chua.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua shared the growing economy of China over the years and the wide-range of opportunities that the Philippine companies can take advantage of as trade relations between the two countries warm up.
“We need more products from the Philippines,” said Ambassador Zhao Jianhua. He further mentioned, “I am confident that sooner or later, China will be the number one importer of Philippine products.”
In 2017, China was the fourth largest importer of Philippine products behind Japan, US and Hong Kong. Over the last five years, total trade between China and the Philippines grew 12.08%. Total exported goods to China in the last five years (CAGR) reflected a decline by 0.12% while imported goods from China grew to 20.17%.
“Imagine the magnitude of CIIE, to be participated in by over 100 countries around the world, that is something that Philippine companies can take advantage,” said DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.
Undersecretary Terrado added that the DTI will apply “whole country” approach and smarter strategies to maximize the country’s participation at the said expo.
“We will work closely with the private sector in ensuring that we attract Chinese and foreign investors in building value together as we urge them to partner with the Philippines,” Terrado added.
Announced by People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping during the Belt and Road Forum, the CIIE is a major international event that opens the Chinese market to the world. China is expecting to import goods and services worth more than $10 trillion in the coming years. CIIE aims to provide enterprises across the world to enter this huge Chinese market. It will focus mainly on importation of goods and services to China.
There will be two main sections: trade in good and trade in services. The section of trade in goods includes six exhibitions areas: High-end Intelligent Equipment; Consumer Electronics and Appliances; Automobile; Apparel, Accessories and Consumer Goods; Food and Agricultural Products; and Medical Equipment and Medical Care Products. Meanwhile, trade in services section comprises Tourism Services, Emerging Technologies, Culture and Education, Creative Design and Service Outsourcing.
For companies interested in joining the CIIE, you may contact Ms. Rowena Mendoza through the e-mail addressRmendoza@citem.com.ph, or Eva Marie Mariquina at emmariquina@citem.com.ph on or before April 6.
