by admin | Apr 4, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
The Department of Trade and Industry – Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) continues to serve micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and create entrepreneurs through its Negosyo Centers.
DTI – ROG Supervising Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said Negosyo Centers throughout the country will help MSMEs scale up their businesses through its services.
There have been 760,230 MSMEs assisted by these Negosyo Centers since its inception in 2014, Maglaya said. Likewise, these centers have also created 125,066 entrepreneurs.
“A total of 760,230 MSMEs assisted and 125,066 created entrepreneurs is quite a feat for us. Rest assured that we will continue increasing our Negosyo Centers in far-flung areas to create and serve more entrepreneurs, and provide employment to Filipinos,” she added.
As of March 28, 2017, the Department has already established 470 Negosyo Centers throughout the country.
“We are proud that we have established more Negosyo Centers more than what we have expected to establish. In 2016, we surpassed our target of 150 centers. Hopefully this year we can do the same to support the growth of MSMEs in the country,” Maglaya said, adding that Negosyo Centers help in achieving job generation and inclusive growth in support of the administration’s Trabaho at Negosyo agenda.
She added that for Business Name Registration alone, a total of 438,619 clients – 52,284 in 2015, 283,487 in 2016, and 134, 390 in just 3 months in 2017 – were assisted.
The Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promote ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and other equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs), ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.
by admin | Apr 3, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Kuala Lumpur, is set to take part at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2017 on 5-8 April in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
After years of absence at MIHAS, the Philippines is back with 30 Philippine companies that will showcase Halal-certified products at the Philippine Pavilion. Joining the business delegation are companies from the food (27) and non-food (3) sectors.
Products to be showcased will vary from food and beverage, processed meats and snacks, to cosmetics and personal care. With its Philippine Export Industry development program, Philippines’ participation at the said trade show is the biggest to date.
“The Philippines takes this opportunity to introduce itself as a major supplier of Halal compliant products to the world. We are here to take part in the global Halal initiative and to bring about innovative products that will complement the global Halal ecosystem. The Philippines brings together the strong collaboration of Halal stakeholders in the Philippines with the deliberate approach under the recently passed Philippine Halal Export Promotion and Development Law (Republic Act 10817),” said DTI EMB Director Senen M. Perlada.
DTI-EMB confirmed the participation of San Miguel Purefoods Company, Inc., Mega Global, Century Pacific Food Inc., and Palmstore, among others.
The PTIC – Kuala Lumpur has also expressed confidence in the success of the Philippine’s participation, especially with the keen interest shown by businessmen in Malaysia to visit the Philippine Pavilion and meet the companies.
“We have gained recognition in the industry with businesses and business organizations, culinary schools, hotels, food manufacturers, and wholesalers alike, expressing excitement to see what the Philippines can offer in terms of Halal,” said PTIC Kuala Lumpur Commercial Attache Katrina Banzon.
Philippine Halal products to Malaysia is estimated to be around USD 86.7 Million in 2016, with a five year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.80%.
MIHAS is considered the world’s largest Halal event. It offers networking and business proposition for Halal exhibitors and buyers. According to its records, it welcomed over 22,000 trade visitors from more than 70 countries and generated record sales beyond RM1 Billion for 600 exhibitors.
MIHAS is hosted by Ministry International Trade and Industry, organized by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in association with Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Philippines’ DTI EMB and PTIC-Kuala Lumpur invite everyone to visit the Philippine Pavilion at MIHAS 2017.
Other participating agencies include the Department of Agriculture, Mindanao Development Authority, Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority & Freeport and DTI Regions 5 and 9.
by admin | Apr 3, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
Mexico City – The Department of Trade and Industry´s (DTI) Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Mexico, with support from the Philippine Embassy in Mexico, together with COMCE, the Mexican Business Council of Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology recently discussed Philippine business opportunities in an organized roundtable on Philippine Business Opportunities in Mexico.
Participated in by over 30 Mexican businessmen from the logistics, autoparts manufacturing, business development, and agro-food products sectors, the event highlighted opportunities for trade and investments between the Philippines and Mexico.
Ambassador Eduardo Jose A. De Vega graced the event by highlighting the history of Mexico-Philippine trade relations and the importance of the current activities of the Philippine government to reactivate them.
Meanwhile, the Embassy´s Commercial Counselor and head of PTIC Mexico, DTI´s Vichael Angelo D. Roaring, presented current bilateral trade relation between the two countries and the opportunities, advantages, incentives and the optimum environment that the Philippines has developed to become a competitive destination for foreign investments and a source of exports of quality products.
“The Philippines continues to be a strategic business location in the Asia-Pacific region, being not only a 100 million market but as a gateway for over 500 million market of the ASEAN,” highlighted Roaring.
Juan Pablo Garcia, Director of Corporate Affairs of CEMEX, gave a testimonial and a case study of CEMEX´s experience of setting up and doing business in the Philippines. With CEMEX’ presence in more than 50 countries, Garcia cited the Philippines as one of its best places for doing business for its manpower and enabling business environment. Garcia also pointed out CEMEX´s plans to venture in the low-cost housing sector in the Philippines, a preferred business sector of the DTI’s Board of Investments 2017 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).
Jorge Barbosa of ProMexico, a trade promotion agency of Mexico, presented opportunities that Mexico offers to the Philippines in terms of investment, as well as the potential of the Philippine market for Mexican companies in the fields of processed food, beverages, frozen fruits and vegetables, auto parts, home appliances and creative industries, and the potential for investments in ports, infrastructure, auto parts, call centers and entertainment industries.
Also present to discuss the strengthening relations between the Philippines and Mexico are Ambassador Enrique Michel Santibáñez, former Ambassador of Mexico in the Philippines, and current COMCE president for the ASEAN; and Alberto Varelo of AMEXCID, a Mexican government agency for International Development Cooperation. On the other hand, Philippine Embassy Vice Consul Mikhail de Dios discussed cultural ties of the two countries.
The event served as an avenue for networking between Mexican businessmen and Philippine officials. PTIC Mexico held one-on-one consultations with the participants to work on their specific business interests with the Philippines.
by admin | Mar 31, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced to the companies operating in the country that it will strictly enforce the 30-day submission of application for a sales promotion permit prior to implementation.
The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau’s Sales Promotion Division (FTEB-SPD) of the DTI conducted a forum for Philippine businesses on the strict implementation of securing a sales promotion permit 30 days prior to the start of their promotional programs and activities last 14 March 2017 at the Berjaya Hotel in Makati City.
According to Article 116 of the Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, “No person shall conduct any sales campaign, including beauty contest, national in character, sponsored and promoted by manufacturing enterprises without first securing a permit from the concerned department at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the commencement thereof.”
Two hundred forty-eight representatives from small, medium and large companies in the country participated in the discussions on issues that they are experiencing in securing a sales promotion permit, particularly on concerns on the digital market environment.
During the forum, DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua emphasized, “It is crucial for the private sector to adhere to the said mandatory provision. The DTI will ensure that all companies with sales promotional activities will comply by its conduct of regular enforcement activities”.
The DTI-FTEB advised its stakeholders to plan and file their applications for sales promotion permit with the Department with enough lead time to meet their implementation date target.
For more information on securing a Sales Promotion Permit from the Department, call DTI Direct 751.3330 or send an email message tofteb@dti.gov.ph or cpg@dti.gov.ph
by admin | Mar 28, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
PASIG CITY—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen affirmed the long-term partnership of the Philippines and the EU on trade and development with the completion of the third phase of the EU-Philippine Trade Related Technical Assistance project 3 (TRTA 3) on 28 March.
“By working on trade-related issues through the project, the EU and the Philippines collaborated on strengthening the framework for trade policy for inclusive growth, and enhancing our capacity to implement a competition policy and a national quality infrastructure that would protect consumers and improve compliance with international standards,” Sec. Lopez said during the closing ceremonies of the third phase of the EU-Philippine TRTA3.
“This will also help increase our access to international markets, and facilitate cross-border movement of goods,” he added.
“We are committed to support the strengthening of Philippines’ integration into the world economy, and to contribute to the country’s inclusive growth goals,” Ambassador Jessen said, with the EU already committing EUR 6.1 million for a fourth phase of the programme.
The EU has been supporting the Philippines with trade-related technical assistance since 2005. TRTA 3, the third phase of the program (2014-2017), aimed to build capacity among stakeholders for the Philippines’ integration into the international and regional trading and investment system. The project components covered Trade Policy, Competition Policy, National Quality Infrastructure, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Conformity, and Trade Facilitation.
The trade chief explained that the program worked with both public and private sectors to actively participate in global trade.
“Trade is a lever for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. As ASEAN chair in 2017, the Philippines also recognises the strong implications of trade for regional cooperation and stability,” he said.
A highlight of the TRTA3 closing program is the launch of the Philippine Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (PhilRASFF), a state-of-the-art web-based alert system for food authorities to immediately respond to food safety incidents. These include contaminated food products found on the Philippine market or at the Philippine border, as well as food-borne disease outbreaks involving marketed products.
In cooperation with the EU RASFF, ASEAN RASFF and the International Network of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN), the PhilRASFF system enables competent authorities to file notifications and exchange information–whether as a result of inspections or through foreign notifications–on consumer complaints or companies reporting food safety incidents.
PhilRASFF will also strengthen the capacity of the Philippines to efficiently tackle food safety risks and to contribute to the overall safety of food marketed in the ASEAN. The PhilRASFF was implemented by the TRTA 3 in partnership with the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Trade Undersecretary and TRTA 3 Steering Committee Chairman Rodolfo Ceferino said that the collaboration of stakeholders contributed to the successful outcomes of TRTA3 activities.
“A pro-active government, the collaboration of our development partners, and stakeholder participation in decisions that would affect trade, would combine to shape Philippine competitiveness,” Undersecretary Ceferino said.
The TRTA3 covered a wide range of activities supporting the country’s priorities, including supporting the development of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), strengthening the capacity of the DTI and relevant government agencies on trade policy and trade negotiations, as well as hands-on training and capacity-building for staff at the departments of Agriculture, Health (Food and Drug Administration), Justice (Office for Competition), and Finance (Bureau of Customs).
Other highlights of the TRTA3 closing program included testimonials from beneficiaries on protecting the value of Filipino traditions and promoting women’s role in the economy by devising a collective trademark for the famous T’nalak cloth as well as working with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to combat illegal fishing.
TRTA3 success stories can be downloaded at http://www.eutrta3phils.org/uploads/2/4/8/1/24810749/traderelatedtechnicalassistanceproject3.pdf
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DTI – OSEC, Public Relations Unit
4/F Industry and Investments Building, 385 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City 1200, Philippines
Tel. No.: (+632) 895.3995 |897.6682 local 207 | Fax No.: (+632) 890.4517
E-mail: PRU@dti.gov.ph
www.dti.gov.ph
Enabling Business, Empowering Consumers
by admin | Mar 27, 2017 | DTI Updates, Photo Story
DTI, Robinsons Department Store launch first Go Lokal! store for MSME dev’t in Manila. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez (4th from L) and Robinsons Department Store President and COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe (3rd from R) led the ceremonial launching of the first Go Lokal! store in Robinsons Place Manila on March 24. Go Lokal! is a retail store concept that serves as incubation, marketing, and branding platform for the best of Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) products including next generation One Town One Product (OTOP) offerings, showcasing modern and indigenous quality products crafted, designed, and created by innovative Philippine MSMEs. It can be found everyday in consumer-frequented locations as a mainstream distribution channel for world-class Filipino products while offering value for money for targeted consumers and tourists. Sec. Lopez said that aside from providing market access for MSME products, the program is a platform for new entrepreneurs to test the marketability of their products without the fear of losing rental and commercial costs because their experience is free of charge. Go Lokal! carries only globally competitive, world-class packaged products to encourage entrepreneurs to always level-up and innovate so they can be featured. After they are incubated and discovered, the program will feature the next deserving batch. Robinsons Department Store, an affiliate of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.,is the first to launch the project in a mainstream outlet. Joining them were Robinsons Department Store General Manager Johnson Go (leftmost), DTI Director Rhodora Leaño (2nd from L), DTI Asst. Secretary Rosvi Gaetos (3rd from L), Robinsons Malls Luzon Operations Director Irvin Wu (2nd from R) and celebrity endorser Maricar Reyes-Poon (rightmost).
