Asean seeks to integrate automotive sector

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is working towards the integration of the automotive sector in the region.

During the fourth meeting of the ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Product Working Group (PWG) held recently in Manila, delegates presented their progress on harmonization of standards, regulations, procedures and conformity assessment activities in the automotive sector in their respective countries.

Attended by 70 foreign and local delegates, the meeting also focused on the adoption status of ASEAN countries on existing international automotive standards.

At the same time, a comparative study was presented highlighting similarities and differences among member countries’ regulatory regimes.

Also discussed was the consultation progress of ASEAN economies with their respective governments in priority areas, namely: fuel properties and emission regulations; certification procedures; and safety regulations.

Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila said the outcome of studies and discussions would form the basis of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) in the region’s automotive sector.

The MRAs would provide for an ASEAN harmonized regulatory scheme for industry.

It would identify needed technical facilities to assess conformance to standards.

Assistance would be offered to firms to meet international regulations.

The MRAs would also explore possible cooperation between the ASEAN Automotive Federation and its dialogue partners and international organizations.

Favila said regional integration of the automotive sector would increase intra-ASEAN trade and investment.

"The cooperative ventures to be undertaken by ASEAN would upgrade the region’s technical and human resource capabilities," Favila added.

The automotive sector is one of the 11 sectors for integration in the ASEAN economies.

The products included in the ASEAN integration program on automotives are passenger cars, commercial cars, special purpose vehicles, motorcycles, and parts/components for two wheelers and four wheelers.

Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Cuison Maglaya said concerns of the local industry and other stakeholders, particularly on safety standards and technical regulations were proposed and considered during the meeting.

The DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards together with DOTC’s Land Transportation Office represented the Philippine delegation in the meetings.

"The DTI-BPS collaborates and strengthens its linkages with other government agencies and the private-sector, specifically with the DOTC-LTO and automotive industry players, to carefully look into the important measures for the regional integration of the automotive sector," BPS Director Jesus L. Motoomull assured.