PH exporters seek gov’t help in increasing markets

PHILIPPINE exporters are appealing this early to presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte for continued support for a government blueprint, aimed at enabling local enterprises to capture a bigger share of the international market.

Sergio R. Ortiz -Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., said in a statement that the group hoped the new administration would pursue the implementation of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) for 2015-2017, a roadmap that outlined the targets and strategies for growth of the export industry.

The PEDP has identified key strategies to achieve exports growth target of 6.6 percent to 8.8 percent to a high of $93.64 billion this year.

It likewise identified measures to address barriers that hamper the growth of the export industry.

These included removing the unnecessary regulatory impediments to the movement of goods and delivery of services; upgrading the quality and standards of export; raising the productivity and competitiveness of Philippine enterprises; and improving exporters’ access to finance and capital.

Ortiz-Luis also stressed the need to support the growth of the micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, which are recognized as the main engines for economic growth and employment.

Specifically, Ortiz-Luis underscored the need for higher government budget, especially for export promotion; measures to lower the cost of doing business; MSME financing; and bigger budget for research and development (R&D) and innovation.

The industry official likewise pushed for measures to eliminate red tape; implement computerization in government offices; and review of laws and policies to repeal those considered irrelevant and harmful.

Ortiz-Luis, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the economic team of the Duterte administration whom he described as “some of the best people we had” during the administrations of former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He said they were “competent” people and this development bodes well for the economy, particularly for the export sector.

It is hoped that the incoming administration will put a strong focus on MSMEs, agriculture, infrastructure, education and tourism sectors, whose growths are seen imperative to sustain economic growth.