by admin | Jun 9, 2018 | Headlines, Tech Talk
The Department of Trade and Industry through its Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Silicon Valley advances efforts in promoting the Philippine startup ecosystem development through projects that support the growth of the community.
In partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco (SF PCG), PTIC Silicon Valley recently launched the Spark447, a co-working space and resource center at the Philippine Center’s building in San Francisco that aims to cater to Filipinos and Fil-Am start-up communities in the Bay Area. Ambassador Jose Miguel Romualdez and Consul General Henry Bensurto Jr. led the soft launch last 22 May 2017.
“SPARK447 provide avenues for bringing the community in San Francisco closer together. But it doesn’t stop there, it will bring the Filipino tech community in San Francisco closer to our ecosystems in Manila and make change happen,” said PTIC Silicon Valley Trade Representative May Niña Celynne Layug.
Spark447 is a shared office space, networking hub, and a place uniquely designed for rising entrepreneurs, freelancers, digital nomads and internet professionals. It is part of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco’s “Spark, Connect, Empower” (SCE) movement that aims to gather Filipino and Fil-American communities and individuals in the United States in building collaboration and partnerships that promote nation building.
According to DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora Terrado, the establishment of Spark447 will be instrumental in showcasing the technology and business opportunities in the Philippines.
“This will greatly complement our initiatives in promoting opportunities in the Philippines and the talents that we have particularly in advanced industries including manufacturing and the IT-BPM,” said Terrado.
DTI in close partnership with the Departments of Science and Technology (DOST) and Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been supporting and enabling the development of the Philippine startup ecosystem. The collaboration caters from various stages of startup development from ideation to commercialization.
According to PTIC-Silicon Valley, several organizations, companies, and individuals, who share in the vision of the SCE movement have pledged their full support of the movement. These include PLDT, Philippine Airlines, The Filipino Channel, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), One World Institute and Mama Sita’s.
According to the recently released 2018 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, the Philippines startup ecosystem has strong foundations in the areas of Fintech, Enterprise Solutions and AI & Machine Learning.
In 2017, the DTI led Slingshot ASEAN, a business event developed by the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion that gathered startups, venture capitalists and key players in the ASEAN startup community through learning hubs, pitching competitions, plenary sessions, and exhibitions.
n photo (L-R seated): Tess Marin, SSS representative; PTIC-Silicon Valley Trade Representative Celynne Layug ; Dir Pura Molintas (DOT-SF); H.E. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez; Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.; Mrs. Mariz Bensurto, and Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano. Others in photo are Spark, Connect, Empower (SCE) movement partner organizations. Photo from DTI-PTIC Silicon Valley.
by admin | Jun 9, 2018 | Business, Headlines, World
Geneva, Switzerland – Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Geneva tested the cadmium level of Philippine cacao beans and the results are encouraging!
“Davao-sourced fermented cacao beans have low cadmium level that is well within the acceptable values, providing a big opportunity for Filipino cacao farmers,” said Michiel Hendriksz, Executive Director of FarmStrong Foundation.
The test was made in light of the European Union’s (EU) new limits on the cadmium levels in cocoa products by 1 January 2019 (EU No 488/2014) that could pose a serious threat to many smallholder cacao farmers, and present a challenge to chocolate producers.
“While Switzerland is not part of the EU, it adopts the EU General Food Law and exports majority of its chocolate production to the EU. Swiss consumers also have the highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption worldwide,” according to Mr Jean-Benoit Charrin, Director of Operations of FarmStrong Foundation.
Cadmium is a heavy metal found both through natural occurrence and from industrial and agricultural resources. The maximum levels for cadmium in food have existed in EU legislation since 2001. Thus, to reduce exposure levels to the metal in certain food groups where exposure is highest or where the consumer groups were most vulnerable, new recommendations for maximum exposure levels in a range of infant products and cocoa-based products were released. Three maximum levels have been set for chocolate, where the strictest maximum levels apply to chocolate varieties most eaten by children, while a maximum level is also set for cocoa powder destined for direct consumption.
![Text Box: From 1 January 2019: • Milk chocolate with below 30% total dry cocoa solids contain no more than 0.10 mg/kg wet weight of cadmium • Chocolate with over 30% cocoa and below 50% must have no more than 0.30 mg/kg of cadmium • Chocolate with more than 50% will have a threshold of 0.80 mg/kg • Cocoa powder sold to the final consumer typically as drinking will have a limit of 0.60mg/ kg Source: (EU) No 488/2014]()
Cacao beans from Latin America are particularly affected. Previous research has indicated higher levels of lead and cadmium in cacao beans in Latin America compared to beans from West Africa. Cacao beans from West Africa, however, are considered “bulk beans” and lack the flavour Swiss chocolatiers are looking for.
The low cadmium level of Philippine cacao beans brings opportunities for Philippine cacao farmers and producers, particularly in premium products (specialty, fine flavour and certified chocolate) as Swiss chocolate manufacturers look for new sources of cacao beans to protect its international reputation for high quality with many famous international brands.
The Department of Trade and Industry, through the various foreign trade posts, supports Philippine cacao farmers in demonstrating significant progress in the Philippine cacao sectors by aiming at niche markets for high quality and speciality cocoa and chocolate products. Government agencies and farmers/producers need to work hand-in-hand to be able to supply high quality Criollo/Trinitario cacao beans with good traceability and superior quality.
This positive development is also timely in light of the DTI’s thrust to upgrade the Philippine cacao industry in the global value chain. The cadmium level could also feed in the discussion during the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia-Pacific Cacao Congress scheduled from September 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center.
PTIC-Geneva works with Swiss cacao distributors, buyers and sourcing organisations, as well cocoa sustainability specialists. FarmStrong Foundation (http://farmstrong-foundation.org/) is a Swiss public interest organisation that promotes resilient, structured, rural economic development through integrated sustainable agricultural production systems in cocoa growing communities. The cadmium test was done by Intertek Group plc (http://www.intertek.com/), a multinational inspection, product testing and certification company headquartered in the UK with testing facilities in 100 countries including Switzerland and the Philippines. (END)
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To request for a copy of the cadmium test, please write to PTIC-Geneva (geneva@dti.gov.ph).
Written by: TSO Magnolia Uy, PTIC-Geneva.
by admin | Jun 8, 2018 | Business, Headlines
Following the successful kick-off in Vancouver, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will bring the “Flavours of the Philippines” In-Store Promotion to T&T Supermarket in Pacific Place Mall, Calgary, Alberta from 8 June to 10 June 2018.
“It is very timely to showcase the quality of Filipino brands to celebrate our Filipino heritage in time with Independence Day,” said DTI Senior Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni M. Alvero.
On 8 June 2018, T&T Supermarket will start showcasing Filipino food at the dedicated stalls for Flavours of the Philippines through pallet displays and food tasting stations. It will be followed by a ceremony on 9 June 2018 with the Filipino-Canadian community where attendees will be treated to lively music and a vibrant display of Filipino talent with cultural performances by the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation.
Hon. Consul General Gilberto Asuque is expected to welcome the Filipino-Canadian and mainstream community in Calgary during the event.
The event, considered to be a centerpiece trade and cultural program with the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary and the Department of Tourism in San Francisco, aims to reconnect Filipino-Canadians with the motherland in time for the celebration of the anniversary of Philippine Independence. It also aims to increase the consumer awareness and appreciation for Philippine food products among Canadian consumers.
The weekend-long festivities will also include cooking demonstrations of delicious Filipino dishes and big discounts on popular Filipino products.
“We hope that this event will contribute in raising the popularity of Philippine cuisine along the levels enjoyed by other internationally accepted Asian cuisine, ultimately towards increasing the level of Filipino food exports into Canada,” Alvero added.
“Flavours of the Philippines” at T&T Supermarket is the second of a series of In-Store Promotion events in Canada spearheaded by DTI this year, following an In-Store Promotion at the PriceSmart Supermarket in Richmond, British Columbia.
In 2016, Canada was the 16th export market (out of 213) of Philippine merchandise goods. Processed food including processed fruits and vegetables and processed marine and ethnic foods are among the top commodities for export promotion in the said market.
by admin | Jun 7, 2018 | Headlines, Photo Story
PH, ROK TO ESTABLISH JOINT COMMISSION FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION. Philippine (PH) Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Republic of Korea (ROK) Trade, Industry, and Energy Minister Ungyu Paik to establish a mutually beneficial and strategic trade and economic partnership between the two countries through a Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC). The JCETC will cover cooperation on the areas of trade and investment, industry and industrial technology, especially automobile as well as mold and die. It will also lead activities of cooperation through exchange of information related to trade, economic relations, relevant laws, regulations, and policies for the benefit of the two countries. Likewise, it will also prepare proposals for the bilateral cooperation and relations. The MOU signing was held in the presence of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the bilateral meeting between the two governments on 4 June 2018.
by admin | Jun 6, 2018 | DTI Updates, Headlines
SOUTH KOREA—The Philippine (PH) business delegation and South Korean counterparts signed a total of USD 4.8B-worth of investment pledges and business expansion intentions during the PH-Republic of Korea (ROK) Luncheon and Business Forum on 5 June 2018. These agreements are estimated to generate 50,800 employment opportunities in the country.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led the event signing, which gathered over 400 business delegates from both countries and comprising of new operators as well as subsidiaries of conglomerates operating in the country.
DTI reported that the 22 signed business agreements– six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and 16 Letters of Intent (LOIs) — were presented to President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit in South Korea. These are in addition to the five MOUs signed between the governments of the Philippines and South Korea.
The business agreements cover expansion intentions for operations on power infrastructure development (offering 2,200 jobs), engineering and construction (2,000 jobs), solar power (1,000 jobs), electric automobile business operations (10,000 jobs), wind power plant (10,000 jobs), dredging and port rehabilitation (100 jobs), freshwater eel production (50 jobs), and real estate development (1,500 jobs).
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez met with South Korean companies seeking to invest in the country. Investment pledges include automotive, public utility modernization, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal-fired power, engineering, construction, sea offshore services, food, and aquaculture
Hyundai Motor Co. (HMC) expressed its intention to participate in the PUJ modernization program by providing environmental-friendly automobile technologies. HMC proposed a mid-term and long-term investment plan to construct an assembly plant in the country for passenger vehicles.
Meanwhile, SK Energy and Services is keen on investing in LNG and power infrastructure development and operation, as well as LNG trading. The company is also looking expanding its business activity on city-gas distribution in the country.
POSCO Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. intends to expand its operations in PH valued at USD 200 million and expected to generate over 2,000 jobs.
According to Sec. Lopez, the wide-range of business agreements also reflect small and medium enterprise (SME) assistance from South Korea.
Taeseong Kimchi Company expressed their plans to expand its kimchi food production in the country, which would open 20,000 employment opportunities. Further, the company will apply an inclusive business model that seeks to engage with local farmers from Benguet for its operations.
Other expansion intentions came from various South Korean companies, including BKS Energy Industry Ltd., Phillips Holdings Co. Ltd., SY ENC Co. Ltd., Jungheung Construction Co., Ltd., JS Development Co. Ltd., PNK Aquaculture and Trading, and Andamiro Corporation.
During the bilateral meeting between the two governments, discussions on the establishment of the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) were opened as well as the possibility of a Preferential Trade Agreement for the lowering of South Korean tariffs on PH agricultural products.
Both governments also agreed on furthering agricultural, science and technology, as well as security cooperation.
Sec. Lopez, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol gave the business delegation a comprehensive economic and investment briefing. The Cabinet Secretaries provided actual figures and situationers of the country’s business environment.
“The Philippine government is committed in widening its trade engagements with other nations under President Rodrigo Duterte’s independent foreign policy. With the South Korean business community as our partner, we are confident of making progress with government initiatives like the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, and the thrust towards developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” said Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.
Four LOIs between South Korean companies and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) were signed, indicating collaborative efforts in rehabilitating and modernizing the economic zone through reclamation and initiatives related to fintech, blockchain technology education, tourism, gaming, and other related business activities.
“Our next goal now is to ensure that these investment pledges and job opportunities will materialize, and allow us share the economic gains of the country, especially to those at the bottom of the pyramid,” Sec. Lopez added.
On the MOUs signed, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Philippines-Korea Economic Council (PHILKOREC) came up with an agreement with KBIZ for an exchange of information on commerce, industry, and trade opportunities focusing on small, medium enterprises. Likewise, PCCI inked an agreement with Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) for the promotion of trade, economic, scientific, technological cooperation, and other business relations.
In the field of die and mold industry, Philippine Die and Mold Association (PDMA) signed an MOU with Korea Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI) to create a pool of manpower trained in die and mold designing, making, processing, assembly, and other related courses.
Meanwhile, South Korean’s DaeKyung Engineering Co., Ltd. sealed an MOU with Philippine Utility Vehicle Inc. (PhUV) for a joint development and promotion of green business in the country, as well as smart grid and electric vehicles. DaeKyung will also explore the co-development and co-assembly of the modern electric vehicle prototype by providing the powertrain and other parts.
by admin | Jun 5, 2018 | Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry- Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (DTI-CIAP) and the Landbank of the Philippines entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 12 February 2018 to provide fast and efficient alternative payment collection services to CIAP clients such as Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) contractors.
Sinceend of April 2018, contractors can directly transact with the Landbank Payment gateway for online payment of monetary obligations to CIAP-PCAB, i.e., payment of fees and charges relative to licensing and registration application, among others.
The Landbank Link.BizPortal is an alternative channel that offers a safer and more convenient means to pay government fees anytime, anywhere. It will allow contractors to pay licensing and registration fees and charges assessed by CIAP-PCAB online or manually.
As of now, the following bancnet member banks are being accepted for Landbank E-payment: Asia United Bank; BPI Direct BanKo; CTBC Bank; Citystate Savings Bank; DBP; Enterprise Bank; Entrepreneur Bank; Equicom Savings Bank; MASS SPECC; Malayan Bank; PBCom; Phil Postal Savings Bank; Philtrust Bank; Sterling Bank of Asia; Sun Savings Bank; and Tianong Rural Bank.
For more information, contractors may visit CIAP’s website at www.ciap.dti.gov.ph.
