RP to join Tokyo trade fair to boost local BPO business

The Philippines will join the Software Development Expo and Conference (SODEC) in Japan later this month in an attempt to boost the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) business.

The three-day trade fair in Tokyo will help strengthen the position of the country as an offshore cite for Japanese firms.

Japan is a big market for foreign service providers. The country’s offshore outsourcing for software development is seen to grow from five percent to eight percent annually.

"Our 5th participation in SODEC is a follow through activity promoting our strong points in the field of software development and other IT services," said Trade Assistant Secretary and CITEM Executive Director Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes.

The Philippines’ participation in SODEC is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in close coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), Tokyo, Japan.

Government officials said that the local software companies’ adaptability and ability to meet deadlines remains impressive among the Japanese companies. "The country’s software development services includes a whole package of satisfactory projects, on-time delivery, technical support, and confidentiality," Reyes said.

The following companies are the Philippine participants in this year’s SODEC: Advanced World Systems Inc., Alliance Software, Astra (Philippines) Inc., Ayala Systems Technology Inc., iCatchIT Imperium Technology Inc., Tsukiden Software Philippines Inc. and Winsource Solutions Philippines Inc.

The country’s participation in last year’s SODEC resulted in 113 trade inquiries, and generated sales of $1.6 million. 

Japan is also a potential market for market for personal care products with indigenous ingredients like alum (tawas), lawat, gugo, calamansi and virgin coconut oil (VCO).

"The Philippines, with its wealth of indigenous ingredients is well positioned to take advantage of these market opportunities," Reyes said.

Currently, the virgin coconut oil is enjoying a wide market acceptance as ingredient for cosmetic and personal care products like soaps, lotions, massage oils, beauty creams and shampoos. Virgin coconut oil is also known for its therapeutic qualities.

Latest figures from the Philippine Coconut Authority said exports of virgin coconut oil amounted to $1.6 million in 2005. It increased to 475 metric tons in 2005.