‘Green’ framework for Apec SMEs pushed

The Philippines has proposed before member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) bloc initiatives aimed at “greening” the small enterprises, as the country showcased the ongoing development of its own “Greening the Industry Roadmap Project.”

Philippine trade officials made the pitch during the “Dialogue on Apec Cooperation Network on Green Supply Chain” held recently on Boracay Island, Aklan.

“This dialogue served as an opportunity for us to talk about the Industry Roadmap Project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Board of Investments (BOI), which takes into account the pursuit of green growth in terms of green processes and the manufacturing of green products. Providing the platform for this is the ongoing development of the  ‘Greening the Industry Roadmap Project,’” Trade Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba said.

Aldaba explained that the greening roadmap project was aimed at identifying policies that would enable industries to improve their competitiveness and increase their chances of participating in supply chains through cleaner production processes; the efficient use of materials, water and power; reducing the impact on the environment; and compliance with global health and environment standards.

These interventions will be integrated into the roadmaps of the select pilot industries namely automotive manufacturing; auto parts; pulp and paper; plastic; mass housing; copper; and furniture.–Amy R. Remo