by admin | Oct 26, 2017 | Business, DTI Updates
43 phil bussines con.exfo
MANILA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez emphasized the continuous cooperation and collaboration between the government and the private sector in promoting investments and achieving economic growth during the 43rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo on 19 October.
Speaking before officials and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the trade chief discussed the “Focused and Strategic (FAST) Action Agenda on Investment“ initiative, which is a project of DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) to link micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to ASEAN and Global Multinational Enterprises (MNEs).
“With our goal to lower the income gap and uplift the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid, it is our priority to link our MSMEs to bigger value chains, provide them the necessary tools to compete in the international market, and even export their products abroad,” said Sec. Lopez.
With the Philippines (PH) as the current host of the ASEAN regional meet this year, the FAST Action Agenda on Investment is a key deliverable of PH under the ASEAN economic pillar.
Sec. Lopez also underscored the potential of the country as an investment destination for both local and foreign investors, citing its export turnaround, improving manufacturing and industry sectors, young population, and market access to ASEAN and other trade partners.
PH’s Foreign Trade Agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN provides it with a 620-million market share, while the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) gives the country a 2.2-billion market reach.
The trade chief was also optimistic of the expansion of the trade preferences arrangements via the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) of the EU and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) of the US.
Further, Sec. Lopez highlighted the 2017 Investment Priorities Program (IPP), a blueprint on the preferred sectors and investments entitled to incentives. The program includes the Inclusive Business (IB) model, which creates greater market access for MSMEs.
The IPP likewise covers the expansion of incentives for manufacturing activities and supports the government’s Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP), which creates solid and stable jobs for Filipinos.
“The DTI and BOI are committed to continue providing policy environment and programs that support investment promotion, and increase the participation of MSMEs in the regional and global supply chain”, Sec. Lopez concluded.
by admin | Oct 23, 2017 | Business, Headlines, National News
The Philippines (PH) under the Duterte Administration continues to enjoy the confidence of foreign direct investors with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Board of Investments (BOI), welcoming the investment intentions of Chinese firms Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. and Yi Ding Tai International Corporation.
The investments, focusing on iron and steel manufacturing and shipbuilding, are worth USD 4.5 billion with 8,000 employment opportunities.
“This is one of several investment proposals we have received on the steel industry that will allow us pursue President Duterte’s vision of having a globally competitive iron and steel industry, to support the growing economy, to alleviate poverty, and to create jobs for every Filipino,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
A private equity firm based in Beijing, China, Huili Fund expressed its intention to partner with PH and private sector entities through a letter of intent signed earlier this year and endorsed by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The company plans to implement a two-phased project of a world-class integrated steel manufacturing facility that will employ 6,000 people by 2022.
In a recent courtesy call on Sec. Lopez on 5 October, Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. Chairman Dr. Meng Xiaosu presented the plan for the facility where the first phase will include production of billets, long, and flat products. The chain will be completed on the second phase through iron ore. Currently, a feasibility study is being conducted that includes the possible location to set up the facility, where the availability of port and low electricity cost are considered.
“Producing the steel here will be favorable to both parties as it will generate jobs for Filipinos and be cost-effective for the company. This complements our drive to provide opportunities to uplift the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid as we take a step forward to inclusivity and shared prosperity for all,” Sec. Lopez added.
Dr. Xiaosu also cited the benefits of putting up a facility in PH given that it is on the Maritime Silk Road and will help the company expand in the region while reaching other ASEAN countries with lower freight cost.
The trade chief shared during the meeting that the project will also contribute to the Philippine Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) through knowledge-sharing of advanced technological know-how in support of the Philippines’ bid to be a major producer of high-quality and safe steel products by 2030.
Meanwhile, Yi Ding Tai International Corporation has selected PH as the best location for the development of a shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) facility for frontier-island, regional size vessels with 15,000 deadweight tons, including advanced ship and vessel designing, manufacturing, repair, sales, and financial support.
Feasibility studies are currently ongoing following international maritime safety standards as the company is intent on investing in an SBSR facility with a local company in PH worth USD 1.5 billion. The facility is set to open job opportunities for at least 2,000 people by 2022.
by admin | Oct 13, 2017 | Business, National News
ZAMBOANGA—During the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) official launch of Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) on 6 October in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the country’s trade chief called on locals to maximize the use of government programs to create businesses and gain employment to empower themselves.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the government’s initiatives to extend to all Filipinos the benefits of the current Philippine economic growth by strengthening the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating robust industries, and boosting investments. These, in turn, will lead to job generation and sustained entrepreneurial revolution, according to him.
“TNK’s goal is to create a culture of Filipinos who are success-driven, independent, and know how to appreciate the value put on one’s work. The core of the program is to empower the bottom of the pyramid to empower the nation,” said Sec. Lopez.
He shared that the business confidence index of the Philippines is at 38%, which has an impact on various industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and export.
DTI is currently using the 7Ms of Successful Entrepreneurs framework (Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine, Market, and Models) as a strategic approach to empower entrepreneurs and encourage Filipinos to start their own businesses, thus helping them improve the quality of life.
Apart from national and international trade fairs, there are partnerships with premier malls, shopping destinations, as well as airports to enhance market access for local entrepreneurs through the Go Lokal! stores and other pasalubong centers.
These Go Lokal! stores and pasalubong centers serve as incubation stores for MSMEs where their products gain public exposure for free before they enter bigger markets.
MSMEs were also encouraged to utilize the government’s business expansion program through the Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso or the P3 program, which offers low-interest financial assistance via recognized micro financing institutions.
Further, the trade chief called on officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units to provide spaces in their respective public markets for MSME products and entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, at the sidelines of the TNK launch, Sec. Lopez also attended the Zamboanga Peninsula Investment Conference, wherein he encouraged stakeholders to continue partnering with the government in raising the investment profile of the region and improving the investment climate.
“We can address inequality and reduce poverty by implementing programs that sustainably create jobs and increase incomes through exports and investments, as well as through smart, innovation-led entrepreneurship,” he said.
Also at the event were DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, Small Business (SB) Corporation President Maria Luna Cacanando, as well as Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Yap Palma, Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Zamboanga City 1stDistrict Representative Celso Lobregat, and 2nd District Representative Manuel Jose Dalipe.
(L to R) DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, DOLE Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, DTI-Region 9 Director Sitti Jain, Indonesian Consulate General Berlian Napitupulu, and DOLE-Region 9 Director Ofelia Domingo at the opening of ZAMPEX 2017 in Zamboanga City.
by admin | Oct 11, 2017 | Business, National News
Philippines’ finest products are on display as the country participates at the World Food And Beverage Great EXpo (FABEX) Kansai 2017 happening from 11-13 October 2017 at the International Exhibition Center (Intex) Osaka. FABEX Kansai is Japan’s largest general trade fair for commercial food, cooking ingredients, equipment, and containers.
Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry, through its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Osaka, and the Philippine Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), the country’s delegation is showcasing an array of food products, food supplements, food machinery and various kinds of farm produce at the three-day event.
According to DTI-EMB Assistant Director Agnes Legaspi, who leads the business delegation from Manila, the delegation composed of 18 Filipino companies will also visit Tokyo to meet with Japanese importers. This business mission aims to promote the Philippines as a reliable supplier of high quality food products.
“Japan is among our top trading partner and we want to maximize their keen interest on doing business with the Philippines by increasing our promotion efforts of our products and services,” said DTI-EMB Assistant Director Legaspi.
The participating Philippine companies are Aisha-Fil Foods Inc., Amarich Marketing International, Chocovron Global Corporation, Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corporation, D’Farmers Market Fruits and Pastries Center, Greenland Asparagus Multi Purpose Cooperative, Healthy Sweets Mindanao Corporation, J. Emmanuel Pastries, John N’ Mico Food Products, and Mapagmahal Foods.
Also joining are Mardak Global Export Incorporate, Muy Bien Ventures Co., Incorporated, Nattural Quality Corporation, Nisco Philippines Enterprise, Pasciolco Agri Ventures, Philippine Moringa & More Corporation, Philippine Seawealth Food Incorporated, Sangkutsa Food Products Incorporated.
In addition to the Philippine exhibition in FABEX Kansai 2017, government officials who are part of the delegation discussed doing business with the Philippines in a seminar entitled “Philippine Seminar on Business Opportunities on Agriculture and Logistics” organized by the Osaka Port Promotion Association.
by admin | Oct 7, 2017 | Business, National News, Negosyo Center Updates
03 October 2017 – Three (3) days after the successful “Buyers’ Day at the GoLokal! ConceptStore@DTI on September 29, 2017, another Go Lokal! PopUp store opened @Glorietta2 on October 03, 2017.
The event also sealed the partnership of the Department of Trade and Industry represented by Trade Chief Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Ayala Corporation CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala on the Go Lokal! Stores project spearheaded by DTI that aims to help and support the country’s MSMEs gain access to the local consumer market, and eventually, the global export market.
The GoLokal!PopUpStore@Glorietta2 is located at the Palm Drive Lobby of Glorietta 2. Visit other Go Lokal! Stores @SMKultura, @RustansMakati, @RobinsonsPlaceManila, @EnchantedKingdom and GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI for more of your favorite Go Lokal! products. Go Lokal! will also soon be available online @marketa.ph.
Products carried by PCHEA
In photo L to R: From Ayala Corporation Corporate Strategy and Development, Head of Public Policy, Antonio LambinoII, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Donald Dee, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos, DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Ayala Corporation CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala, DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Rhodora Leano, Philippine Chamber of Handicrafts Exporters And Artisans Inc President Mila L. Lacson, Ayala Malls Group Head Rowena M. Tomeldan, DTI-BDTP Assistant Director Marievic Bonoan, Board Of Directors Member and PCHEA Auditor Raymond U. Maron, Operations Manila And South Central Malls Unit Head, Ayala Malls Group/ Markalex Creative Craft Corp President, Joseph F. Reyes, ECOP Honorary Chairman Edgardo lacson.
by admin | Oct 2, 2017 | Business, Headlines
Small Business Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ma. Luna E. Cacanando
State-owned Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), the micro financing-arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recently welcomed its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ma. Luna E. Cacanando.
Cacanando’s appointment came amid the government’s step to battle loan sharks through affordable and easy access micro-financing program, the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso or P3 program of the administration.
Cacanando expressed strong belief in the MSME finance advocacy as an affirmative action in levelling the playing field for young enterprises that have yet to hurdle the age of maturity and for small enterprises that lack sufficient capital to get to expand into a formal business undertaking.
“We will push for MSME financing further to help create more entrepreneurs, spur economic growth that will provide jobs to Filipinos,” Cacanando said.
Cacanando brings with her more than three decades of MSME development finance experience and industry expertise, mostly as a government executive. She went on an early retirement from government service in February 2016 as Senior Vice President of Small Business Corporation and Head of the agency’s Financing and Capacity Building Sector.
Prior to joining SB Corp, Cacanando was Credit Manager of Guarantee Fund for MSMEs (GFSME) until its merger with Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBGFC or SB Corp) as the surviving entity in November 2001.
Fresh from the University of the Philippines, Los Banos with a degree in Bachelor Science in Agricultural Economics, Cacanando joined the then KKK-Livelihood Corporation in August 1983. Ten years later, she joined GFSME in April 1993.
Prior to her appointment as SB Corp Director and election as SB Corp President and CEO last September 6, 2017, Cacanando had the chance to work with the private sector for over a year in the field of MSME finance.
Cacanando was also consultant to Country Builders Bank and of ADA Inclusive Finance, a Luxemburg development organization and was Director of Negosyong Pinoy (Venture South) Finance Corporation.
Cacanando is an alumnus of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) where she obtained a Masters degree in Development Management in 1996.
She was conferred Career Executive Service Office (CESO) by the Office of the President in 2001 and by the Career Executive Service Board in 1999, at the same time as Career Service Executive Eligible (CSEE) by the Civil Service Commission.
Cacanando takes over the helm of SB Corp, enthusiastic that the agency will accomplish its mandate in MSME finance, especially the P3, and its unique role in the national development landscape as defined by the Magna Carta for MSMEs.
