CAMPI backs DTI on jobs growth in auto industry

MANILA, Philippines - The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) will support the policy thrust of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote long-term employment growth in the automotive industry.

In a statement, CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said job creation has always been one of the major advocacies of the group. She noted that this is in recognition of the large multiplier effect of automotive employment generation to the economy.

Lee cited that the auto industry has so far generated 74,000 jobs to include those in the parts and components industry with over 500,000 dependent family members.  A long-term growth in an already significant employment level in the industry would translate to tremendous economic contributions redounding to the benefit of many Filipinos, she noted.

In line with President Aquino’s agenda of promoting the Philippines as a friendly and attractive investment destination and creating more jobs, CAMPI said it supports a strong and relevant Motor Vehicle Development Program (MUDP) that will realize the President’s objectives.

“We are one with the President’s stand that investments and employment are very important factors in the economic development of our country. The Philippine automotive industry is in a position to be a major contributor in this regard, it being one of the remaining manufacturing and assembly industries Filipinos can be proud of,”  Lee said.

“By creating a more conducive environment for investors to include those already heavily invested in the country as well as potential investors by way of curbing smuggling, generating additional employment, and expanding the auto market, auto players - both assemblers and legitimate pure importers - can all benefit,“ she added.

DTI is in the process of crafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the new MVDP. Lee said the IRR is important to make a strong MVDP.

“What we have is not strong enough. We need a strong and positive MVDP and this is a very positive step towards that direction,” Lee said.

“The MVDP was written to support the local auto industry especially those who invest heavily in the assembly plants,” she added.

Lee said the MVDP will help expand the automotive market which will help all players in the industry. By cracking down on the illegal importation of second hand vehicles, Lee said the market for the players in the formal sector will expand.

“We are all for market expansion and this will benefit everyone,” she said.