by admin | Mar 22, 2018 | Headlines
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.
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%).
Interested companies/exhibitor may contact Ms. Alex Lucas at 831-2137, or send an inquiry at alucas@citem.com.ph.
by admin | Mar 21, 2018 | Business, Headlines, National News
THE Australia-Philippines Business Council (APBC) welcomed the Philippine delegation to Australia led by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano through a welcome reception participated in by Australian and Philippine business leaders on 16 March 2018 in Barangaroo, Sydney, Australia.
Secretary Cayetano and Secretary Lopez witnessed the signing of Letters of Intent (LOIs) to invest in the Philippines from different private sector leaders/firms planning to maximize the Philippines’ growing economy. Investment includes setting up of an assembly plant for GPS tracking devices, development of a US$10 million biomass power plant, and construction of a US$30 million hotel and residential place in Cebu.
Australia’s Macquarie Bank Chairman Peter Warne, Chairman of TMIP Holdings David King, ANZ Philippines CEO Anna Green, AUSTAL CEO David Singleton were among the Australian business executives present. Philippine business leaders like Mr. Jose Concepcion III and SM Investment’s Ms. Teresita Sy-Coson were among the Filipino executives in attendance.
In his address to the business community, Secretary Lopez highlighted government’s support programs for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and its initiatives that ensure the growth, development, and competitiveness of these enterprises. He shared DTI’s Negosyo Centers, Pondo Para sa Pagbabago (P3), Shared Service Facility (SSF), market access initiatives that provide permanent space for MSME products, and online digital space programs, which are summed up in the DTI’s 7M strategy on MSMEs.
Secretary Lopez shared that increasing the trade base between Australia and the Philippines should be based on complementarity of industries and sectors where growth will be highly recorded. Some examples he gave were on agri-based commodities, ship-building, construction (Build, Build, Build), and IT and Business Process Management Services (IT-BPM).
In his closing remarks, Secretary Lopez shared the Philippines’ economic breakout, supported by growth in GDP, manufacturing, consumer confidence, among others. He also emphasized the enhancement of domestic policies, with new regulations adopted to ensure competitiveness of businesses and industries.
Secretary Lopez also cited the recently issued tax law (TRAIN), where individuals are expected to have bigger take-home pay. With its implementation, it is expected to build a wider consumer base with higher buying capacity leading to greater opportunities for businesses. Secretary Lopez reiterated that the Philippines is open for business, with DTI’s core task of bringing more job-generating opportunities for all Filipinos.
During the event, APBC President Ed Alcordo expressed APBC’s gratitude for the Philippine government’s commitment in strengthening bilateral ties between Australia and the Philippines where foreign and economic relations have grown through 70 years of friendship, with a comprehensive partnership agreement signed in 2015.
At the end of the welcome reception, a meeting attended by Secretary Lopez, DFA Secretary Cayetano and AUSTAL CEO David Singleton was held. Mr. Singleton shared AUSTAL’s shipyard operations in Cebu and its plan to expand its operations in the Philippines. AUSTAL makes fast, lightweight aluminum boats for civilian and military use. They are the sole foreign company supplying Aluminum-hulled ships to the United States Navy. Mr. Singleton shared that they make ships in the Philippines for export to customers in Germany, Australia and many other overseas clients who require high quality shipbuilding.
The business reception was organized by the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Sydney.
Participants during the welcome reception hosted by APBC on 16 March 2018.
DFA Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano (standing, 5th from left) with DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez (standing, 4th from right) witnessing the signing of Letter of Intent (LOI) of the technology company Fleet Logic declaring the company’s plan to assemble Global Positioning System (GPS) Devices in the Philippines for export.
by admin | Mar 21, 2018 | DTI Updates, Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry emphasized the role played by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as providers of employment and drivers of the country’s economic growth that will alleviate poverty in the country.
DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said so important the role of MSMEs that they ensure the promotion of equitable and inclusive growth, especially throughout the countryside.
“MSMEs are substantial contributors to our country’s economic growth, trade, employment, innovation, and poverty alleviation,” Maglaya explained during the first MSME Conference organized by the University of the Philippines – Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) at the UP – Bonifacio Global City (UP-BGC) Campus in Taguig.
Philippine MSMEs account for 99.5% of the total number of established businesses and employ 62.8% of the country’s workforce, contributing substantially to the country’s manufacturing output and total employment, making it critical engines of economic growth and development.
To ensure the growth and advancement of the MSME sector, the MSME Development Council approved the MSME Development Plan 2017-2022, which presents improved and innovative development strategies to achieve the target outcomes called Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan, in the next five years. The Plan envisions for “more globally competitive MSMEs that are regionally integrated, resilient, sustainable, and innovative thereby performing as key drivers of inclusive Philippine economic growth.”
Maglaya said the MSMED Plan “envisions more globally competitive MSMEs that are regionally integrated, resilient, sustainable, and innovative—thereby performing as key drivers of inclusive Philippine economic growth.”
The trade executive explained that there are five (5) strategic goals under the MSMED Plan 2017-2022, namely, improved business climate, improved access to finance, enhanced management and labor capacities, improved access to technology and innovation, and improve access to market.
Currently, according to Maglaya, the Department has been actively advocating the seven-point strategy called “7Ms of Successful Entrepreneurship” as guide for MSME growth. The 7Ms are Mindset Change, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine, Market Access, and Models of Negosyo.
The 7Ms will provide MSMEs with assistance ranging from infusing aspiring entrepreneurs with the proper entrepreneurial mindset; helping MSMEs master the know-how and how-tos of entrepreneurship; business guidance from DTI and the business sector; access to funding; acquisition of the right tools and equipment; access to market; and suggestions of different business ideas.
Maglaya also stressed the importance of 7Ms in the “Manila Call to Action for MSME Development” (MCA) which was the synthesized outcomes of the ASEAN 2017 MSME Development Summit last July 2017 that called for region-wide affirmative action to foster MSME development.
The Department calls for the support from the private sector, academe and non-government organizations, corporations, and business associations to put forward the MCA recommendations into actions.
“Making growth felt by everyone can only happen if we are successful in empowering the bottom of the pyramid. By effectively tapping our MSMEs, we can ensure that we can attain our goal of creating inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all,” Maglaya said.
by admin | Mar 20, 2018 | Headlines, Photo Story
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)
by admin | Mar 20, 2018 | Headlines, Photo Story
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
by admin | Mar 19, 2018 | DTI Updates, Headlines
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.
