DTI and Sakeholders Set to Discuss Trade Issues and Strategies Under the Trade War

25 November 2019, Manila – The Department of Trade and Industry will hold an international trade forum to discuss international trade policy issues, including the ongoing trade frictions between the world’s economic heavy weights. The forum is part of the DTI’s One Country, One Voice (OCOV) Stakeholder Consultation mechanism on trade policy formulation.

In particular, the forum aims to foster dialogue on how the Philippines can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the trade war and how to address the challenges that hamper Philippine industries from taking full advantage of these opportunities. The forum also aims to tackle how the DTI could enhance its international trade policy strategy, leverage its participation in regional and global value chains, and maximize trade policy tools in light of the rising global protectionism.

Economic simulations of the trade war’s impact on the Philippine economy illustrate minimal negative effects on exports. “While the Philippines is not as vulnerable as other economies, a prolonged trade war could eventually impact Philippine exports” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Both the United States and China are major trading partners of the Philippines. The country currently enjoys preferential market access to the United States through the GSP scheme and also has an FTA with China under ASEAN. Secretary Lopez added that apart from these existing mechanisms, “enhanced engagement with other major trading partners as well as with non-traditional partners are also being pursued to help strengthen and diversify Philippine export markets”.

The forum, which will be held in December in Manila, will bring together international experts on trade policy, business leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, and government officials, among others.

Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo highlighted that “the One Country, One Voice consultations is an important pillar in our unified industry and trade strategy that helps ensure that our trade negotiating position remains rational, responsive to, and grounded on the needs of our stakeholders”. Launched in 2011, OCOV ensures transparency and accountability as government undertakes the process of engaging in dialogues, building mutual trust, and arriving at rational, sound and balanced trade policies in pursuit of national development.

DTI brings only the best from the Cordilleras for the 24th IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair

The Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), formally launches the IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair 2019, last November 15, at Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, which saw the gathering of around 80 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the region’s provinces.

Regional Director for CAR, Myrna Pablo, accentuated through the opening program, IMPAKABSAT, which stands for the region’s six provinces, namely, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, and the city of Baguio and is then completed with the Ilocano word “kabsat” which means brother or sister, describes the whole of the Cordilleras. This is a manifestation of the rich and vibrant culture in the region and how the products of the participating MSMEs reflect such.

One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program Manager and Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga encouraged the MSMEs to continuously innovate their products through availing OTOP assistance on product development, design, packaging, branding, production capability, among others, transitioning them to be more market-oriented and innovation-driven.

“Ang mandatos ng ating Presidente ay tulungan ang lahat ng mga negosyante sa bansa. Sa pamamagitan ng OTOP Next Gen, ang simpleng produkto ninyo ay sasailalim sa product development at innovation tulad ng packaging at branding. Mas magiging marketable ang produkto, mas mabenta sa merkado.” ASec. Naga said during the opening ceremony.

The annual IMPAKABSAT aims to develop and strengthen small and medium enterprises from the region, through the promotion of its indigenous crafts, skills, resources and investment potentials. Products featured at the trade fair vary from organic and natural products, fresh & processed food, wearables and homestyles, coffee, bamboocraft, woodcraft, and furniture & furnishings.

This year’s edition of the trade fair puts the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and OTOP Next Gen Program beneficiaries on the spotlight. Likewise, CAR being the coffee capital in the Philippines, visitors and shoppers during the fair were served the best coffee in the region through KAPEtirya.

IMPAKBSAT 2019 will run from November 15-24, 2019, with regular exhibit hours, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.