Exporters look forward to new export development plan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) is optimistic about the soon to be completed Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), as it sets aggressive new directions while addressing areas for improvement.

“We’re optimistic about the new PEDP. It’s more than just renewing commitment to export development, it’s about being bold and aggressive while recognizing persistent areas for improvements where we must have the determination to solve permanently,” said PhilExport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., who also serves as the vice chairman of the Export Development Council (EDC).

Ortiz-Luis said the new and improved PEDP for the period 2023 to 2028 is in its final stages of completion.

He said the draft plan was recently discussed in a meeting of the executive committee of the EDC.

Among the bold and innovative solutions proposed in the draft plan include the lifting of  land ownership ceilings for commercial scale agribusiness and establishing a Bureau of Agri-Industrial Cooperatives Development in the Department of Agriculture, according to PhilExport.

Also proposed in the draft is the amendment of the charters and regulatory frameworks of the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and the Small Business Corporation to allow them leeway to fulfill their mandates.

Meanwhile, the group said the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP) is also a key recommendation in the plan.

The RCEP is a free trade agreement among the 15 Asia-Pacific nations, including the Philippines, creating the largest trading block representing nearly a third of the world’s gross domestic product.

PhilExport said the draft PEDP also highlights private sector opportunities to hone Filipino creative capabilities and build global brands from the unique features and benefits of the Filipino products and services.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual earlier said at the PhilExport general membership meeting that the Philippines is being positioned as an exporter of high-value products as part of its goals under a new PEDP.

Pascual said a number of commodity groups presented strong growth in terms of exports in 2021 up to the first half of this year.

These include electronics, other manufacturers, mineral products, cathodes, refined copper, chemicals and coconut oil.

“For this new Philippine Export Development Plan, we are pursuing to transform our country from an exporter of commodities and intermediate goods to an exporter of high value products and services.Our new directions are headed toward complete data analytics, stronger and wider stakeholder engagement, product and market matching, and a proactive legislative agenda,” Pascual said.