by admin | Feb 20, 2018 | Business, National News
DTI-CITEM targets $10M export sales in FOODEX Japan
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) seeks to augment the Philippines’ trade relations with Japan as it showcases the country’s finest tropical flavors in the largest food fair in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under Food Philippines brand, DTI-CITEM will bring the country’s top exporters of tropical fruits, beverages and other processed food in the 43rdInternational Food and Beverage Exhibition, popularly known as FOODEX Japan, on 6-9 March at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
“Japanese people are no stranger to us. We know that they have a penchant for our tropical fruits and that is what we are looking to showcase as we return to FOODEX,” said Nora K. Terrado, DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion and CITEM Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
“We will also feature other tropical food and ingredients to widen the line of Philippine products shipped to Japan and promote the country as a premier sourcing destination,” added Terrado.
FOODEX is known as a major gateway to the Japanese market. Last year, the four-day event welcomed over 3,000 local and international exhibitors, as well as more than 82,000 buyers from the food manufacturing, service, distribution, and trading sectors across the global food industry.
Aside from Japan, FOODEX is also vastly participated in by buyers from major regions, such as Europe, America, Africa and Australia.
In 2017, 17 local firms under the Food Philippines pavilion bagged $7.4M worth of export sales. For this upcoming participation, CITEM seeks to generate at least US$ 10 million export sales from buyers around the world.
Japan is the Philippines’ largest export destination for fresh foods and the second largest market for processed food, next to the United States. According to preliminary reports from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Japan is among the top export destinations of the country with 16.20% total share to the country’s total merchandise exports for the period January to December 2017.
With the existing Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), Japan provides an attractive and vast market for Philippine food suppliers to serve the retail, food service, and manufacturing industries.
The country’s participation in FOODEX Japan 2018 is being organized by CITEM, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo and Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), as part of the DTI’s major efforts to intensify the promotion of Philippine specialty food products in overseas trade shows.
Japan remains the top destination for Philippine bananas, reaching up to US$231.3 million export sales in 2016.
by admin | Feb 19, 2018 | National News
The Department of Trade and Industry Region 4-A on February 17, 2018 will host the CALABARZON Investment Forum and B2B Meetings with the Canada Inbound Mission Delegates in Lucena City, Quezon to promote investments and exports in the region.
The forum is part of the program of activities of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) Inbound Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines, which is an offshoot of the Outbound Trade and Business Mission in Canada organized by the DTI 4-A, in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology CALABARZON, Philippine Coconut Research and Development Foundation Incorporated, and the local government of Alabat through the support of the DTI-Foreign Trade Services Corps Toronto last November 2017.
“We in DTI want to improve the economic conditions at the grassroots level, targeting farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises, increase export of coconut products like makapuno not only to Canada but also to other parts of the world, promote organic production of an indigenous food product, and develop as part of a bigger industry development program,” DTI CALABARZON Director Marilou Toledo said.
Toledo added that the agency is promoting Philippine brands in consonance with the 7Ms strategy—mindset change, mastery, mentoring, money, machine, market access, and models of business—of entrepreneurship.
Among the investment opportunities that will be tackled is the Philippine makapuno industry and agribusiness investment promotion in the Alabat Island. PCCT has expressed serious interest in the program. Thus, the Canada delegates will be visiting the Philippines together with other Canadian-based companies such as iAdverTUBE, Canada Business Connections, Blueprint Canada, Accubooks, Montephil, Inc., Boulevard, G&C Logistics, and the Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations of Quebec to pursue and finalize talks about the joint venture project, and explore other business and investment opportunities.
The forum aims to encourage investments and exports in CALABARZON, and promote local products and services to the North American market, especially in the food and non-food sector, business process outsourcing, custom brokerage, education, construction, and real estate business.
The program will include discussions on turning Overseas Filipinos (OFs) to Overseas Filipino Investors (OFIs), technologies on makapuno processing, support program for the Alabat Island Economy, and a signing of the memorandum of agreement.
by admin | Feb 12, 2018 | National News
The Department of Trade and Industry welcomed twenty (20) Philippine Honorary Consuls based in Europe through a Philippine Trade and Investment briefing, in support of the Honorary Consuls’ trade and investment promotional efforts in Europe, held on 8 February 2018 in BDO North Tower, Makati City.
The briefing, organized in collaboration with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Berlin, Board of Investments (BOI), DTI Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and supported by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), European Union Delegation to the Philippines, German Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc., (GPCCI) and EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN), provided an overview of Philippine economic landscape, including trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and Europe.
DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado together with Mr. Edward Wenceslao, Senior Vice President and Group Head for International Desks of BDO Unibank, welcomed the Honorary Consuls.
“Europe is a strong economic partner of the Philippines. In the first quarter of 2017, EU investment share in the Philippines stands at 45% of the total foreign approved investments. Philippine goods exported to EU also grew by 31% amounting to $8.4 billion in 2017,” shared DTI Undersecretary Terrado during her welcome remarks.
Among European countries, Germany is the Philippines’ largest trading partner, followed by Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Ireland and Austria.
The twenty (20) Philippine Honorary Consuls are in the Philippines to join the Familiarization Tour being organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and initiated by former Philippine Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, Philippine Ambassador to Paris, H.E. Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Philippine Embassy in Oslo.
In photo: The 20 Philippine Honorary Consuls from Europe (Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, France, Albania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria) with Philippine Ambassador Millie Sta. Maria-Thomeczek (seated, 4th from L), DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (5th from L), Board of Investments International Investments Promotion Service (IIPS) Director Angelica Cayas (6th from L), DTI-EMB Director Senen Perlada (3rd from R), EU Delegation to the Philippines Economic and Trade Section Head Mr. Walter Van Hattum (standing, 7th from R), PCCI President Alegria Sibal-Limjoco (seated, 2nd from right) and BDO Senior Vice-President and Group Head for International Desks Mr. Edward Wenceslao (seated, 2nd from left).
by admin | Feb 8, 2018 | Business, National News
THE Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) is leading Philippine exporters who underwent training and assistance under the Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) Plus program at one of the largest trade events in Germany, the Ambiente 2018, from February 9 to 13.
The Philippine country pavilion will highlight Lifestyle Philippines, the country’s umbrella brand featuring high-quality and world-class designed lifestyle products with the theme, “Sustainability through Design.” Philippine exhibitors are expected to feature aesthetically appealing yet sustainable products inspired by plants and other natural resources abundant in the country.
Participating RIPPLES Plus-assisted companies include Artisana Island Crafts, Silay Export, Marsse Tropical Timber Plantation, Red Slab Pottery and PumicUnlimited Ventures. These companies are among participating Filipino exhibitors that will showcase products under the trade fair’s three categories: Dining, Giving, and Living.
Marsse Tropical Timber Plantation and Celestial Arts were qualified for the Dining category. Meanwhile, GSG Paper is in the Giving category for their handmade and vibrant products that fit in the group’s varied gift selection.
Red Slab Pottery, Artisana Island Crafts, Silay Export, Tadeco Home Décor, PumiceUnlimited Ventures, 33 Point 3, Arden Classic, Chanalli, Finali Furniture & Home Accessories, Freden Export, Larone Crafts and Nature’s Legacy are all under the Living category’s home interiors and design collection.
RIPPLES Plus is a program developed by DTI-EMB that assists emerging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in various export-related needs including development of their products and services through strategic interventions such as trainings and capacity building; investment, marketing and promotions, support for innovation, product development and design; and market access facilitation through Mutual Recognition Arrangements and certifications. These interventions or modes of assistance ensure competency of Philippine companies to become export-ready.
RIPPLES Plus also works toward increasing the number of internationally competitive Philippine product and services that will help in driving the country’s economic growth.
The Philippines’ Ambiente 2018 participation is organized by the DTI’s Center for International Trade Exhibition and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Berlin (PTIC-Berlin) and DTI-EMB.
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for consumer goods held in Messe Frankfurt, Germany. Table settings, kitchen accessories and household products take the spotlight in the show. Gifts, interior trends and home concepts are also showcased.
by admin | Feb 8, 2018 | DTI Updates, National News
08 February 2018 Manila – The Go Negosyo center of the Department of Trade and Industry and PLDT Enterprise partner to launch “A Growing Collaboration for the Filipino”, on February 12, 2018 at the Isabela Ballroom B & C, Makati Shangri-la Hotel. The event will promote the use of digital tools that will enable entrepreneurs to have a wider reach through a nationwide marketplace, providing wider market access for MSMEs across the country.
The event will also launch PLDT’s PayMaya, the first prepaid online payment app that enables the financially underserved to pay online without a credit card. Demonstrating how PayMaya works is a Go Lokal! pop up exhibit during the event where guests can buy Go Lokal! products via PayMaya.
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store which showcases high quality, innovative Philippine products designed, crafted and manufactured by the country’s MSMEs. The GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI is located at the Groundfloor, Trade and Industry Bldg, 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information on Go Lokal! and its store outlets, please visit golokal.dti.gov.ph.
by admin | Feb 7, 2018 | Headlines, National News
ANKARA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez led a delegation to Turkey to convene the first Philippine (PH)-Turkey Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (JCETC) as well as the signing of Summary of Discussions covering trade, investment promotions, and economic cooperation on 5-6 February 2018.
“The Philippines is committed to pursue several growth opportunities by strengthening partnerships with emerging economic partners like Turkey,” said Sec. Lopez.
The PH trade chief and his JCETC counterpart, Turkey’s National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli, who is the Minister designated to represent their government in this meeting, discussed various areas of trade and investment cooperation on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); manufacturing such as textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, agri-processing for mango, coconut, banana; hotels and tourism; infrastructure; air services; customs; energy; science and technology; education; standardization; film and creatives; defense; contracting and consultancy services.
They offer to buy products PH can export to Turkey and shall venture with Filipino partners to manufacture the needed products, such as in textiles and pharmaceuticals. They also offer to provide interest-free financial assistance for any project critical to the country’s development as well as security cooperation.
The meeting also involved dialogues on the ongoing government efforts in rebuilding Marawi and how Turkey, as a pre-dominantly Muslim country, can assist PH on its programs and projects. It included discussions on how Islamic financing can be utilized for those MSMEs affected by the siege. They will study the industries that can be put up in Mindanao and can generate more jobs for the people in Marawi.
Both officials also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Investment Promotion by PH Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo and the Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) President Arda Ermut.
The MOU covered the intention of both parties to exchange best practices as well as information on investment environment and opportunities. Likewise, it encourages local companies to set up and expand their businesses in the partner country.
In 2016, Turkey was PH’s 45th trading partner, 45th export market, and 43th import supplier. In 2017 (covering January-November), total trade between two countries hit a significant increase with USD 163 million.
“Engaging with Turkey is in line with the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to engage with non-traditional trading partners to reinvigorate ties and increase trade between both countries,” said Sec. Lopez.
The trade chief cited current PH exports to Turkey are still confined mostly to desiccated coconut, personal care products, electronics, and tires. These areas are expected to expand with the renewal of economic ties between the two governments and the direct networking among the private sector business delegates. Several business complementations were identified such as in textiles, tourism, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure development.
“During our discussions, we noticed that there are opportunities for our Philippine exporters—whether manufactured goods or services—to further tap the Turkish market,” he added.
The Turkish market comprises more than 80 million people, with per capita income twice of PH’s, and an 11.1% GDP growth posted during the 3rd quarter of 2017.
Meanwhile, an MOU on the enhancement of cooperation in agriculture—plant production and protection; animal farming, health, and breeding; fisheries and aquaculture; food industry; research; rural development; irrigation and extension service; as well as promotion of joint ventures between private sectors—was signed by PH Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Sanchez and Minister Nurettin Canikli.
Partner Philippines
At the sidelines of the JCETC meetings, DTI met with PH and Turkish business officials through a forum with the Turkish Contractors Association (TCA). Sec. Lopez encouraged Turkish companies to join the PH growth story and partner with the country through infrastructure projects, including President Duterte’s “Build Build Build” program.
The meeting was arranged by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, and the Turkish Ministry of Economy.
The Trade Secretary attended as well a roundtable discussion with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey or the Dış Ekonomik İlişkiler Kurulu (DEİK), a leading business organization based in Istanbul. Currently, the organization is represented by 94 founding institutions, 136 bilateral business councils, 5 sector-specific business councils, and 2 special purpose business councils.There will be an immediate Turkey business and investment mission to the Philippines on March this year.
Also at the roundtable discussion were Philippine-Turkey Business Council Chair Ernesto Chua Co Kiong and his counterpart from the Turkish-Philippine Business Council, Mr. Ilkem Sahin. Both expressed optimism on the future economic relations between the two countries.
Sec. Lopez likewise met with other Turkish companies interested in doing business in the country, such as IS Holding and Elginkan.
IS Holding is keen on having ventures in PH involving low cost mass housing, energy, shipyard development as well as film and content production. Meanwhile, Elginkan expressed their interest to expand its operations in Southeast Asia particularly in the Philippines as their potential manufacturing hub in the region.
