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 26, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, DTI Updates, National News
In the recently concluded Slingshot ASEAN led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), winners for the Startup World Cup – Philippines Regional were announced to represent the Philippines and compete with the rest of the world in the upcoming Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley on May 2018.
Storm Technologies topped the ten finalists as it bagged the grand prize, which includes an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco and a chance to win $1,000,000 by competing in the Startup World Cup Global Finale. Storm Technologies is the largest flexible benefits and incentives firm in the Philippines. It serves over 100,000 employees across different industries.
Meanwhile, runners-up include Beam and Go as 4th runner-up; Zennya, 3rd runner-up; Qwikwire, 2nd runner-up; and Ayannah, 1st runner-up. All runners-up will be attending Startup World Cup Finale in Silicon Valley.
Startup World Cup Philippines Regional grand finals is a collaboration between DTI, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development(DOST-PCIEERD), DENTSU X Philippines, Fenox Venture Capital Southeast Asia and Brainsparks. Startup World Cup on the other hand, is a global conference and competition that brings together the top startups, venture capitalists (VCs), entrepreneurs and world-class technology executives.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, Slingshot ASEAN is one of the official events lined up by the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (ASEAN-CBIP) being chaired by DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group Nora K. Terrado.
In photo: Startup World Cup Philippines Regional grand prize winner, Storm Technologies with DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (2nd from right).
by admin | Oct 25, 2017 | DTI Updates, Major Events
The Department of Trade and Industry CALABARZON recently gathered the leading automotive industry players for the 1st Regional “Kapihan” for Automotive Industry in pushing for the agency’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program in Cabuyao City, Laguna.
Toledo said that the activities will start a collaboration between the government and private sector to integrate and push CALABARZON’s automotive industry towards an inclusive and prosperous Philippines.
“We, in DTI, really want to uplift the capacity and competitiveness of our MSMEs. We want them to be part of the value chain of the industry. Hence, we are asking for the participation and commitment of the industry players, specifically the private sector, and government agencies to make it happen. The 7M’s (mindset, mastery, mentoring, market, machine, money, and business model) of DTI Secretary Mon Lopez would be a good strategy to promote productivity and profitability,” said DTI CALABARZON Director Marilou Toledo.
The CARS Program aims to jumpstart the Philippine automotive industry and make the country an auto manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region. The Program also intends to raise the production level to a competitive scale by providing $1,000 per unit fiscal support for the production of three models with a 200,000-unit production requirement over six years and mandatory local production of body shell and large plastic parts. It is expected to amplify the Philippine workforce, strengthen industrial linkages and attract additional investments.
Participating companies were the Federation of Automotive Industries of the Philippines (FAIP), Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), Philippine Parts Maker Association (PPMA), Motorcycle Parts Producers and Exporters Association (MCPPEA), Phil. Ecozones Association (PHILEA), Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), some government agencies such as the Board of Investments (BOI), UP National Center for Transportation Studies, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), National Economic and Development Authority CALABARZON, Deptartment of Public Works and Highways CALABARZON, Department of Science and Technology CALABARZON, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency – Nomura Research Institute (JICA-NRI).
While the Philippines moved up to become the second fastest growing automotive market in the Southeast Asia at the start of 2017, its market is smaller compared with other ASEAN countries. Furthermore, its manufacturing capabilities are mostly oriented towards the domestic market rather than regional chains.
by admin | Oct 25, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, National News
The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines – Philippine Overseas Construction Board (CIAP-POCB) converges with the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP) of the ASEAN National Organizing Council to gather local and foreign construction industry key players at the first ever ASEAN+6 Construction Forum in the Philippines.
Local guests from the public and private sectors; ASEAN Member delegates; Dialogue partners from China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand; and Philippine delegates and VIPs are present to grace the event being at the Solaire Hotel in Parañaque City.
Today’s activity targets to increase global participation and harmonious international relations of PH construction industry players with the rest of the world. The forum also serves as a platform to engage participation and solicit the cooperation of the key players in the ASEAN Construction industry to ramp up infrastructure development especially now that the country is at the onset of the “Golden Age of Infrastructure”.
With the POCB initiative, Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo believes that the ASEAN+6 Forum is a fitting development platform as ASEAN becomes a major player in the international community.
The ASEAN+6 Construction Forum convenes four panel discussions namely: Blueprint: ASEAN Connectivity, Bolting Together: Strengthening ASEAN Connectivity towards ONE ASEAN, The Mobilizers, and Pioneering Innovation; all of which are poised to proactively engage stakeholders by cultivating relationships and identifying mechanisms to regularly and effectively communicate updates on the progress of the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025; coordinate existing resources with the end in view of delivering support across the full life cycle of infrastructure projects to ensure sustainability; and address the need for infrastructure spending to more than double from levels prior to the 1987 global financial crisis.
THE BLUEPRINT
Moderated by Engr. Michael Roberto Reyes, POCB Board member, the Blueprint: ASEAN Connectivity session provides a macro-overview of the region-wide construction and infrastructure development programs in Asia, such as the ASEAN Masterplan 2025, One Belt, One Road and other big-ticket development projects funded by financing institutions and how key industry players can take part in accomplishing these projects.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Richard Bolt, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Susumu Ito, Bank of China Country Manager Deng Jun and Provincial Affairs Committee Chairman and China-Jiangsu Association for Friendship and International Exchanges (JAFIE) Executive Vice President Jiang Xiao participate in the discussion.
BOLTING TOGETHER: Strengthening ASEAN Connectivity towards ONE ASEAN
The session, moderated by SP Castro Inc. Chairman and President Engr. Salvador P. Castro, Jr., highlights government initiated efforts and policies that would facilitate entry and access to construction opportunities within the ASEAN countries.
Invited panelists are DPWH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Catalina Cabral, Ministry of Construction, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto, Business & International Division H.E. Muhammad Rizuan Hamzah and Ministry of Land Management, Urbanization and Construction, Cambodia Secretary of State H.E. Phuoeng Sophean.
THE MOBILIZERS
Joining the panel are Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) President Engr. Dante M. Abando, Overseas Construction Association of Japan, Inc. (OCAJI) COO Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) Council Member Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Sta. Clara International Corporation President Mr. Nicandro Linao and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco, to be moderated by Ms. Armie Jarin-Bennett, President of CNN Philippines.
The session discusses the role of the private sector and their action plans in maximizing the construction and infrastructure opportunities in the ASEAN and dialogue partner countries through sharing of strategies to overcome industry hurdles and challenges.
PIONEERING INNOVATION
The session, joined by BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen R. Zosa, Street Park Productions, Inc. President and Executive Producer John Aguilar, Arup Management Consulting Associate Director Mr. Bruce Chong and Australia Construction Industry Forum Executive Director Mr. James Cameron, presents the latest trends and technology in construction, and how these innovations impact the construction industry in terms of quality, safety, productivity, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. This discussion is moderated by Atty. Jean De Castro, CEO of ESCA Incorporated.
The activity ends with a synthesis of the keynote speech at the start of the program and the outputs of the Panel Discussions.
For more information on ASEAN+6 Construction Forum, please email ASEANConstructionforum2017@dti.gov.ph.
Event Hashtags: #ASEAN2017 #ASEANConstruction2017
by admin | Oct 24, 2017 | National News
Making ends meet is a great challenge for residents of Marawi City but these women are doing everything just to stay afloat and keep their family alive.
Sewing was their regular source of livelihood, but all of a sudden, it came to an abrupt end. On May 23, 2017, thousands of families were displaced by the war and scores of families had to flee to ensure their families’ safety.
But as they say, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
To hasten the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which leads the Bangon Marawi Task Force Sub-committee on Business and Livelihood, provided these with sewing machines and cloth as starter kits to help them earn while staying either homebased or at evacuation centers.
Back in August, DTI-Region 10 identified 16 women internally displaced persons (IDPs) who will be trained for dressmaking and were awarded with the sewing kits. The 16 sewers are able to generate income for themselves.
From the Sta Elena Gymnasium, where they temporarily stay, the 16 women sewers go to the Provincial Training and Livelihood Development Center in Iligan City, where every sewer can earn at least P500 after a day’s work.
For Asnia Sandiman, 23, laying hands on a high-speed sewing machine was a dream come true. Even as a kid, Asnia has been sewing handwoven tube skirts or malong in Filipino, shoals, and long dresses to earn extra for her schooling and for her family.
But with the new sewing machines and cloth provided by DTI, Asnia can earn up to P1,300. At school, her classmates also ask her to sew for them, allowing her to earn even more.
To Asnia, the new sewing kits was her new lease on life amid the crisis that she and her family are going through.
“Naappreciate namin at sobrang masaya kami. Parang nabigyan kami ng panibagong buhay,” a teary-eyed Asnia said, while recalling the time when the terrorists where banging on their door.
“Malaking tulong sa amin ito,” she added.
On the other hand, the DTI’s Negosyo Center and PTLDC ensure that the handwoven malongs, shoals, and long dresses made by the IDP sewers go to the market. Indeed the products ended up in the right market with orders coming in from SM Cagayan de Oro, Manila, the Bangon Marawi Concert, Bangon Marawi Store at DTI main office in Makati City. There are also orders from Rustan’s for the Go Lokal! Project.
Fellow IDP and 36-year-old Memeng Dianal, said the sewing kits allowed her to feed her six children everyday. From P500 she earns before, now, Memeng earns P2,000 a day, finishing at least 20 handwoven malongs, shoals, and long dresses.
“Malaking tulong ito sa amin [sewing kits] kahit kaunti-konti natutustusan namin yung araw-araw na pangangailangan namin,” Memeng said.
Despite knowing that her family’s home in ground-zero is now levelled due to the conflict, Memeng is hopeful that once they return to Marawi, there will be more opportunities for her and other Marawi residents. If only she can handle two businesses, she would do it for her children.
“Kung pwedeng doblehin ang business, magdodoble kayod ako para sa mga anak ko,” she said.
Now with the fighting officially declared over by the government, Asnia and Memeng, together with other residents of Marawi will just have to wait for their return to their hometown.
After all, hope springs eternal.
by admin | Oct 23, 2017 | Photo Story
SEC. LOPEZ: ASEAN IS BEST PLATFORM TO PROMOTE INNOVATION. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez (7th from L) recently (20 October) called on startups and investors to take part in transforming ASEAN into a regional hub for innovation during his keynote speech during the Slingshot ASEAN Startup and Innovation Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Sec. Lopez said that by linking and collaborating with other businesses and investors within the ASEAN region, local startups can scale up their operations and create more opportunities for jobs and employment. Sec. Lopez, with ASEAN NOC Director General for Operations Marciano Paynor Jr. (6th from L), DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado (5th from L), Export Marketing Bureau Director Senen Perlada (Leftmost), Presidential Adviser Joey (4th from L) Concepcion, and YEI Advisory & Operating CEO Victoria Elenowitz (2nd from L), also led the opening ceremony of the Slingshot Startup Alley, which featured over 50 technopreneur exhibitors across the ASEAN region.
by admin | Oct 20, 2017 | Photo Story
PH TO EXPLORE TRADE OPPORTUNITIES WITH CUBA. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (left) recently met (18 October) with Cuban Ambassador to the Philippines Ibete Fernandez Hernandez (right) to discuss possible cooperation between the Philippines and Cuba, exploring mutually beneficial points between two countries. As Cuba’s Universal Health Care System is globally recognized for its excellence and efficiency, Sec. Lopez discussed with the Cuban Ambassador the possible collaboration of two countries in the field of healthcare and service. Undersecretary Nora Terrado, likewise shared that the Philippines is one of the largest manufacturers of serums and syringes around the world. According to Secretary Lopez, Cuba’s strategic geographical location in Latin America could be an advantage for the Philippines to penetrate the South American market. “We are open to explore avenues of cooperation, and our companies here in the Philippines are actually keen on expanding their operations abroad,” said the trade chief. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will soon form and facilitate Joint Committee with Cuba to explore more ways of intensifying cooperation between two countries.
by admin | Oct 20, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, DTI Updates
Startup Asia Berlin (SUAB), the German-Asian startup platform that aims to enable the professionalization and direct cooperation between startup ecosystems of Berlin, Manila, Bangalore and Jakarta, will conduct its second Asian roadshow from 19 to 28 October 2017.
For the Manila leg and SUAB’s first Asian stop, the 2017 roadshow delegates will be participating at Slingshot ASEAN on 20 October, where they will engage in panel discussions and workshops. Particularly, SUAB, in partnership with QBO and the UNDP, are spearheading the panel on social innovation – a discussion on how startups can create social impact.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its representative office in Germany – the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC-Berlin), has been collaborating with Berlin Senate on various activities related to startup ecosystem development. The visit of DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado to Berlin in March 2017 and the participation of DTI Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Senen Perlada in the Asia Pacific Weeks Berlin in May 2017 facilitated the SUAB participation in Slingshot ASEAN.
Slingshot ASEAN 2017 organized by the DTI, aims to highlight the milestones of the startup community in the Philippines and across ASEAN. With the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” this summit will present a platform for new breed of businesses that are still in their preliminary phase.
The SUAB roadshow delegation is composed of eleven (11) participants from Berlin and five (5) participants from each of the partner ecosystems representing various sectors such as fintech, IoT (internet of things), digital health, 3D movie production, and social innovation, as well as coworking spaces, innovation hubs and incubators. The delegation will travel through Manila, Jakarta and Bangalore with a program of matchmaking, business visits, excursions and participation in various international start-up events and conferences.
The city of Berlin, currently counting 1,800-2,400 startups, ranks 7th in the 2017 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. Said report was conducted by Startup Genome LLC and ranked startup cities in terms of access to funding, extent of market research, talent availability and start up performance and experience.
The StartUp AsiaBerlin program partners include the Unit for International Cooperation of Berlin’s Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Impact Hub Manila, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Bangalore, and HI Indonesia. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
by admin | Oct 20, 2017 | National News
Manila – Amidst reports of price adjustments of some brands of hams and cheese products, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported the assurance of majority of producers that supply and prices of Noche Buena products such as pasta, sauce, bread, and hams remains stable.
DTI made the announcement after convening with manufacturers to check the price and supply situation of Noche Buena products. DTI annually meets with manufacturers of Noche Buena goods in preparation for the upcoming Yuletide season when demands are at its peak.
“Several manufacturers assured adequate supply and stability in prices for the coming season, mainly due to the very tight competition among various brands fighting for market shares,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
The trade chief shared that market competition has enabled businesses to do creative product promotions such as bundling and discounts for the whole package. For example, sauces were bundled with pastas and sold at more affordable prices.
“This is competition at play. Even in the ham category, products are so competitive that discounts are being given and several variants that serve different market segments are being offered with affordable pricing,” added Sec. Lopez.
Several meetings with Noche Buena product players also confirmed that there will be no price increase for pasta, sauces, cheese, ham, and canned tuna until December 2017.
On the other hand, a premium brand of bread increased its price by only one peso per loaf while other brands of bread have kept their prices stable as of October this year.
Trade Secretary Lopez encouraged consumers to use “e-Presyo”, an online based price monitoring platform, to be guided while buying their Noche Buena products for the Christmas Season
by admin | Oct 19, 2017 | Photo Story, World
HAWAII STATE OFFICIALS CALL ON PH TRADE CHIEF. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomed the delegation of Goodwill and Trade Mission of the State of Hawaii headed by Governor David Ige on 17 October. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez presented Dutertenomics, as well as updates on the economic and industry sectors of the Philippines. The trade chief highlighted PH initiatives in providing opportunities and increasing the capacity of Filipinos as a long-term solution to poverty. Meanwhile, Gov. Ige shared his excitement for the PH programs and conveyed that the success of the Filipinos is important in strengthening the relationship among the PH, the State of Hawaii, and the United States in general. The visit also served as a venue for the delegates to inquire on the status of PH’s agricultural products particularly mangoes and to look into the country’s manufacturing industry. In the photo are (seated from L to R) DTI Director Senen Perlada, DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado, Philippine Consulate General Honolulu Gina Jamoralin, DTI Sec. Lopez, Hawaii State Gov. Ige with his First Lady Dawn Amano Ige, and Hawaii State officials and members of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii
by admin | Oct 19, 2017 | Photo Story
Marawi internally displaced persons (IDPs) receive additional livelihood starter kits from DTI. With the fighting in Marawi now concluded, the government, through the Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), distributed additional livelihood starter kits to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi and nearby areas such as sewing kits and sari-sari-store supplies to kick-start and fast track the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City. The sewing kits and sari-sari store supplies will allow IDPs to start anew and earn even while still in Evacuation Centers. The turnover of livelihood starter kits is upon the order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to aid in the the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected localities. This also follows the Administrative Order No. 03 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, mandating the creation of an inter-agency task force that would implement the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected localities. Member agencies of the Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood are Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Leading the turnover of the livelihood starter kits are DTI Assistant Secretary Abdulgani Macatoman (second from left) and DTI-Region 10 Regional Director Linda Boniao (second from right).
