The Export Development Council (EDC) was awarded a Special Recognition for Sources of Information for Balance of Payments Projections from the Public Sector by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The Juan Sajid Imao Sculpture Trophy was handed to EDC Executive Director Senen Perlada and Deputy Executive Director Emmarita Mijares by BSP Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. at the Awarding Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders 2010 as part of the celebration of BSP’s 17th anniversary last 07 JuLy 2010. The event is expected to further strengthen the partnerships between the BSP and its stakeholders and encourage their continued commitment to collaborate with the BSP in its data collection and advocacy campaigns.

EDC was recognized for its consistent effort and cooperation in providing data and information needed by the BSP. The award was based on track record of cooperation, relevance, completeness, timeliness, and attendance.

EDC whose main thrust is to oversee the implementation of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), continually champion all efforts for export development, for the Philippines to be a globally competitive nation.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) published the Manual on Cargo Clearance Process (E2M Customs Import Assessment System).

This Manual briefly describes the e2m-Customs Project, its features and benefits as well as the e2m-Customs Import Assessment System (IAS) and the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS). It covers procedures for accreditation, acquisition of licenses, submission of manifest, lodgment of entry declaration, payment, and release of shipment. This new system allows faster release of goods and less face-to-face transaction with customs.

The EDC thru its Networking Committee on Trade Policies and Procedures Simplification (NCTPPS) oversees the computerization of the Bureau as it launched its E2M Project in 2009 in support of the WCO and WTO trade facilitation goals.

The Manual is now available to the public, free of charge through Ms. Jenny Layosa-Legaria (IICO) at telefax: 527-4585 or email: iico_boc@yahoo.com

The Export Development Council (EDC) in collaboration with the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) recently concluded an Echo Seminar on the International Trade Fair Participation of three Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in the China Sourcing Fairs and the Hong Kong Houseware Fair made possible thru the support of the Export Support Fund (ESF).

Cebu-GTH Foundation, Inc. (Cebu-GTH) and the Home Accents Group of the Philippines (HAPI) participated in the Hong Kong Houseware Fair held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre while the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries (PCHI) joined the China Sourcing Fairs at Asia World Expo also in Hong Kong . Both events were held simultaneously on Apr. 20-23, 2010.

Resource speakers such as Ms. Milet Pineda, former HAPI President, Engr. Ramir Bonghanoy, Cebu-GTH President,and Mr. Salvio Valenzuela, PCHI Executive Director, provided exporters with first hand information and helpful tips in organizing successful trade fairs. Mr. Dennis Orlina, PCHI Board Secretary and Vice President for Advocacy presented a research study on buyer developments and market intelligence on China and Vietnam.

The EDC and BETP will continue holding echo seminars in all international trade fair participation of BSOs supported by the ESF.

On 25 June 2010, the Republic of the Philippines deposited the instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention or RKC) with the World Customs Organization (WCO) during the 115th/116th Annual Sessions of the WCO’s Council.

Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General said in his speech that he is pleased with the increasing number of accessions to the WCO instrument, as it plays a key role in facilitating trade and is regarded as a blueprint for effective and modern Customs procedures.

Recognized as a major trade facilitation instrument, some of the Revised Kyoto Convention’s key elements include the application of simplified customs procedures in a predictable and transparent environment, the maximum use of information technology, the utilization of risk management, a strong partnership with the trade and other stakeholders, and a readily accessible system of appeals. With the accession, the Philippines will now work on its compliance to RKC within 3 years.

The Export Development Council created the Networking Committee on Human Resource Development (NC-HRD) that will focus on industry-academe partnership to support the required skills of the industry. It will work for integrating the industry and the education sector to match the skills and knowledge of the workforce with the needs of the industry.

The NC-HRD shall be composed of sector representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Semiconductor & Electronics Industries of the Philippines, Inc., Federation of Free Workers, Philippine Construction Association, Business Processing Association of the Philippines, and Motor vehicle Parts & Components as members.

The government sector representatives are from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority as members.

The Export Development Council (EDC) was awarded a Presidential Citation by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Citation Plaque was handed to EDC Vice-Chair Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. and EDC Excom Chair Thomas G. Aquino by Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza last 28 June 2010 at Malacanan Palace.

EDC was nominated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) in recognition of its steadfast support, vital partnership and full cooperation with the Philippine government under the Arroyo Administration, which contributed significantly to the successful implementation of its policies and priorities, particularly the development of the export industry, and to the upliftment of the lives and welfare of the Filipino People.

EDC plans to continue its advocacies with the strengthening of the Export Development Act, as part of its priority legislative advocacy.

For consistently winning five times in a row, the Export Development Council Secretariat was awarded a Plaque of Recognition as the first awardee of the 5S Hall of Fame, for consistently leading in the implementation of the PHILEXPORT 5S Standards. The simple ceremony was held at the PHILEXPORT Boardroom last 28 June 2010 during the launching of the “5S level up to 6S”.

EDC takes pride in being a role-model in keeping the office environment clean and in order at all times which enhances the productivity of the staff.

Exporters are surely to benefit on the nationwide expansion move of the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.). SBCorp. a government financial institution (GFI) attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has opened its new offices in Palawan, Bacolod, and Butuan to further reach more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) including SMExporters. SB Corp. now has four (4) full service area offices (North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) and eight (8) desk offices strategically located in Isabela, Bicol, Palawan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Butuan.

SB Corp. offers the following services to MSMEs/ SMExporters: additional capital for expansion, equipment acquisition, factory renovation, working capital as well as local and international receivables. Other financing programs include credit guarantees, wholesale lending for MSMEs/ SMExporters, graduating micros and wholesale microfinance.

The expansion of GFI services to the regions has been a continuing advocacy of the Export Development Council and the National Competitiveness Council.

Seventy five exhibitors from three (3) Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in the Philippines joined the China Sourcing and Hong Kong Houseware Fair which were simultaneously held recently in separate venues in Hong Kong. The increased participation was made possible by the financial assistance from the Export Support Fund.

In the China Sourcing Fair organized by Global Sources at the sprawling Asia World Expo, the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries (PCHI) led 34 exhibitors in showcasing what are dubbed as “exotic” home products.

According to Deputy Executive Director Emma Mijares who represented EDC in this Fair as well as in the Hong Kong Houseware Fair, partial report of booked orders at noon time of the final day of the Fair has been registered at US$146,015.00 while negotiated sale was pegged at US$709,250.00.

Meanwhile, the Home Accents Group of the Philippines Inc. (HAPI) and Cebu Gifts, Toys and Houseware Foundation, Inc. (Cebu-GTH) jointly led 41 exhibitors to compose the Philippine delegation in the 26th edition of the Hong Kong Houseware Fair.

The event, which was organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was held at the multi-level Hong Kong International Convention Centre in Wan Chai. It is considered Asia's largest houseware fair offering various houseware products.

RP exporters and BSOs that joined the China Sourcing Fair and Hong Kong Houseware Fair consider international trade fairs & exhibition to be the more effective means to sell their products and the easiest way to obtain competitor intelligence.

Philippine exporters in the health and wellness sector generated export sales of US$849,305.15 in the recent Cosmobeaute trade fair in Vietnam. It represents more than 200% of targeted sales.

The participation was supported by the Export Support Fund of the Export Development Council and led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

The Philippine Pavilion showcased 10 companies in a 54 sq. m.space. It was considered as the best-designed booth, a feather to the cap of the RP exhibitors that joined the event for the first time.

The annual Cosmobeaute trade exhibition which is on its 3rd year, was held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It highlighted new cosmetics, beauty spa products, advanced equipment and technology for wellness and beauty care. It also convened seminars and competition on beauty and healthcare.

Registered trade visitors numbered 7,238 wherein 79% are international buyers from Singapore, Thailand, Russia, USA, China, Romania, Japan, Australia, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, France, Italy, Germany, Indonesia and Korea.

As the health and wellness industry is poised to bloom the growth of export production, international exhibition such as this provides the opportunity for the Philippines to link up with other countries for future business possibilities.

The Export Development Council proposes that government agencies in international airports and seaports provide 24/7 operation for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine services.

This working schedule is already being practiced by trading partners of the country due to increasing volume of traffic both in the airports and seaports. Hence, the proposed policy is necessary as the country strives to maximize the opportunities in the international market. The affected agencies' operations are covered by existing Civil Service Rules which compensate work rendered in excess of eight (8) hours or during the night shift.

The Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL), Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have earlier expressed concurrence to the proposal. The Civil Service Commission is studying the proposal.

Known as the Design Capital of Southeast Asia, the island of Cebu is the home of the best craftsmen in Asia where some of the best furniture in the world is made. These characteristics were shown at CebuNXT: The 2010 International Furniture Exhibition organized by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF) recently held at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Lahug, Cebu City.

With support from the Export Support Fund (ESF) of the Export Development Council (EDC), the 4-day event generated a total sales of US$ 1.7M and sales under negotiation of US$2.4M. Likewise, the event brought local and international buyers a sense of the past and a peek at the future as CebuNXT continues to lead its legacy on setting the furniture trends of the coming decades.

CebuNXT 2010 gave everyone a glimpse on why the world’s best high-end furniture brands rely on Cebu’s craftsmen to produce their prestigious pieces. These furniture pieces represent a broad spectrum of styles – from traditional to contemporary to practical to ingenious.

The Guild of Philippine Jewelers, inc. (GPJI) and the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) have completed the setting up of the first Philippine Assaying and Hallmarking Laboratory, a common service facility project funded under the Export Development Council’s P280 Million Export Promotion Fund.

Said laboratory was inaugurated last 19 April 2010 at the CITC Compound in Marikina City. The inauguration was honored by the presence of distinguished guests led by. Exec. Director Senen M. Perlada, EDC; DED Emmarita Z. Mijares, EDC; Dir. Thomas Marcelo, BSP Int’l. Relations Dept.; Exec. Director Adelaida Inton, Phil. Trade Training Center.

With the establishment of an assaying and hallmarking facility, consumers will be assured that the jewelry they buy have the right purity for the given price. They will also be protected against under-carating due to irregular quality and purity of gold and silver.
For the jewelry manufacturers, it will provide strong evidence of their commitment to quality assurance, global competitiveness and customer satisfaction in terms of consistency in quality and purity of every piece of precious metal jewelry that they are producing.

The Export Development Council (EDC), presided by its Chair and newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Sec. Jesli A. Lapus, unanimously approved and adopted the Revised EDC Vision and Mission in its meeting last 19 March 2010 – a landmark resolution to improve and strengthen the thrusts of the institution.

Following is the revised EDC Vision and Mission:

Vision: The Philippines shall be a globally competitive nation.

Mission: The Export Development Council as a Public-Private Partnership shall:

• Continually evolve and propose policies and necessary legislative actions that ensure the effective and efficient implementation of export development plans, strategies and programs under the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP);



• Create an environment that facilitates innovations and improvements in Philippine export products and services to make them globally competitive;



• Measure, monitor, evaluate and report the progress of export development policies, plans, strategies and programs; and



• Champion all national efforts for export development.

The EDC calls on all exporters to avail of the travel tax exemption when participating in trade fair, selling mission, international conferences and seminars on trade. This incentive is provided by Executive Order 589.

Exporters may apply with the BETP, BITR, CITEM, PHILEXPORT or the nearest provincial offices of the DTI at least two (2) working days before the expected date of travel. The application form may be downloaded from http://edc.net.ph/downloads/TTEform.pdf.

For further information, please contact the EDC secretariat at telephone no. 897-7608 or telefax 890-4645.

With the theme Building a Global Market through Quality Philippine Food Products, the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX) Inc., staged the 9th Philippine Food Expo at SM Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City on 25-28 February 2010. About 100 member-delegation of buyers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and USA graced the four-day event which raked in $2.6 Million sales.

Top selling products were dried mango, frozen mango, nata de coco, salted bangus, and banana chips. Seminars and cooking demos were held as complimentary activities in the event.

The food expo was held with the support of the Export Support Fund (ESF) of the Export Development Council (EDC), through the Department of Trade

Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the formal opening of the Manila Now Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) held last 3-7 March 2010 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

The show is dubbed as the Milan of Asia for being the must-see furniture show in the ASEAN furniture circuit, As the biggest furniture and home furnishings exhibition in the Philippines, the international event has gathered together the world-class furniture designers and makers of the country from Pampanga and Cebu City. It has showcased innovative and quality furniture pieces for bedroom, lounge, dining, outdoor, and occasional furniture and furnishings.

It was held in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers and with support from the Export Support Fund of the Export Development Council.

The Bureau of Customs launched the Philippines National Single Window (NSW) last 16 March 2010. Ten (10) government agencies initially linked electronically for the NSW. These are the:Bureau of Customs (BOC), Board of Investment (BOI), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

The NSW is an electronic system that will allow single submission and accelerated processing of applications for licenses, permits and other authorizations required prior to import or export. Stakeholders can look forward to rationalized, simplified, and harmonized processing of requirements for licenses, permits, and clearances; convenience of payment thru Mobile Payment enabling them to transact business in the comfort of their offices or homes. Daily updates via Email and SMS notifications from the NSW will keep them informed of the status of their transactions.

The web will be the primary medium of doing business with the abovementioned government agencies.

Crown Agent Consulting (CA), the implementing agency for the NSW project said NSW for imports will be completed by June 2010, with the target of 40 government clearing agencies linked to BOC. NSW for exports will start by the second half of 2010.

The Export Development Council (EDC) resolved to strengthen the Export Development Act (EDA) in order to carry-out its functions more effectively. The said resolution concluded the EDC Strategic Workshop held last 05-06 February 2010 at Holiday Inn, Clark, Pampanga.

The EDC proposed to review and modify the EDA for ratification in the 15th Congress, with particular attention to the “sanction provision.” Such provision empowers the EDC to impose sanctions on any government or private sector person or entity who impedes export efficiency.

EDC Chair, Sec. Peter B. Favila highlighted the workshop theme: “Change and Continuity” referring to the Council’s 15-year contribution to the development and expansion of Philippine exports. He said that change is necessary to achieve continuity in response to the global economic transformations.

To effect immediate decision-making and policy implementation on export issues, the EDC also appealed for the observance of the quarterly meeting with the President together with the Council members who are Cabinet Secretaries.

The insights and outputs reflected during the activity will be used as a framework to prepare the Philippine Export Development Plan 2011-2013.

The workshop, sponsored by the RP-EU Trade-Related Technical Assistance 2 (TRTA 2) was participated in by the Council and EDC Executive Committee members, EDC Networking Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs, and the DTI-ITG Mancom.

Mr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. EDC Vice-Chair, won the First Place Champion in the 2010 EDC Metal Tiger Golf Cup held at Mimosa Golf and Country Club in Clark, Pampanga last Feb. 6, 2010. DTI, Sr. Usec. Thomas G. Aguino and Tournament Director Serafin Juliano led the awarding ceremonies. Other winners are Mr. Roberto Castillo (2nd Place Champion) and Mr. Donald Dee (3rd Place Champion), guest players Mr. Rick Hernandez (1st Runner-Up), Mr. Manny Balanos (2nd Runner -Up)and Mr. Anton Sayo (3rd Runner-Up).

This year’s 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition lives up to its purpose of being the largest IT-Enabled Services (ITES) sourcing event in Southeast Asia. It is also a distinguished venue where business and IT converge. It showcased the Philippines as a premier outsourcing destination.

The 2-day event highlighted the Back Office Operation, Game Development, Medical Transcription, Software Development, Engineering, and Design Services. The exhibitions paved the way for local ICT companies to expand their market through business matching and explore subcontracting opportunities while the conferences featured speakers who are experts in this field.

Hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as supported by the Export Support Fund of the Export Development Council, the event was held on 08-09 February 2010 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales issued Memorandum 10-01131, to decentralize the pre-evaluation of Certificate of Origin (CO) applications. The memorandum authorizes the Export Services Divisions of local customs district all over the country to conduct the pre-evaluation activities and documentation. This is in response to the complaints of Cebu exporters against CMO 2-2010 which provides for the centralization of pre-evaluation of COs at the Export Coordination Division in Manila. Exporters claim that it will cause delays in the approval of COs, thus making Philippine export products more uncompetitive in the global market.

PHILEXPORT will conduct a training on Documentation Procedures for Returned Shipments on March 18, 2010(Thursday), from 1:30P.M. to 4:30 P.M. It will be held at the Penthouse, Intellectual Property Philippines, IPO Bldg; 351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City. The said training will provide information on “necessary steps on how exporters can claim their returned shipments with the appropriate documentation.

Training fees are Php 750.00 for PHILEXPORT members and Php. 850.00 for non-members. All interested parties may call PHILEXPORT at telephone number 833-2531.

The Senate has finally concurred to the Philippine accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, also known as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), in Senate Resolution 220, issued last February 1, 2010. RKC prescribes the principles of good governance in customs operations, primarily designed to increase trade efficiency & competitiveness.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, principal sponsor of the treaty, expressed optimism that with the adoption of the rules by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other agencies involved in the country’s international trade, foreign investors who have been shying away from the country in previous years may come back. She likewise said that with customs practices, forms and systems at par with those practiced by our major trading partners, the Philippines will have an effective tool in bolstering its export and import trade.

Massive reforms are expected within three years, as RP will be required to align its existing legislations to RKC. This includes amendment of laws (the Tariff and Customs Code) and other administrative issuances by the BOC and other concerned agencies. It is also expected that the computerization of import & export documentation systems and operations will be completed. These measures are contained in the National Strategy for RKC Accession, Compliance and Implementation, fully supported by the Export Development Council, under Resolution 6-2007.

Once the Instrument of Accession (IA) and the Resolution containing the Senate Concurrence to RKC, are transmitted to the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Philippines will be the third member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to accede to the Convention, along with Vietnam and Malaysia.

The Export Development Council’s Project Monitoring Team recently visited the project sites of he Philexport XI project: the Establishment of a Regional Coco Coir Technology Training and Productivity Center in Eastern Visayas.

The said project was envisioned to help train and increase the productivity of the Coco Coir industry in the region. The four (4) beneficiary sites are University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar; Padang Maunlad Farmers Coop in Hernani, Eastern Samar; Jaro Farmers Coop in Jaro, Leyte; and Panaoan Island Farmers Federation Inc. in San Francisco, Southern Leyte. Each site received a set of defibering, carding and twining machines under the Export Promotion Fund. Also, successive trainings have been conducted since 2009 on the use of the machines and product development of various coco coir products.

To date, 124 cooperative members benefited from the trainings and 264 additional jobs have been generated. Also, a total sales of Php299,405.00 has been realized while Php470,000.00 are still under negotiation.

DENR reminds importers, including exporters who import wood as raw materials, to secure first a Certificate of Registration as Importer of Woods Materials before importation. This is in compliance with DENR Department Administrative Order (DAO) 99-46 and the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP). Failure to do so will result to detention and possible seizure of their importation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Sec. 3 of DAO 99-46 or “The Revised Regulations Governing the Entry and Disposition of Imported Logs, Lumber, Veneer, Plywood, Other Wood Based Panels, Poles, and Piles, Pulpwood and Wood Chips” (published in 1999) defines who may import wood materials. For further details, visit their website at www.denr.gov.ph

Clarification and Agreement among stakeholders were arrived at in the meeting facilitated by The Export Development Council-Netwoking Committee on Trade Policy and Procedure Simplification (EDC-NCTPPS) last 12 January 2010. DENR clarified that their office has taken cognizance of the observation that their issued registration can be interpreted to apply for dealership of imported materials and not for importation. Hence, in future issuances, “Authority to Import Wood Materials” will likewise be indicated in the Certificate of Registration to avoid confusion. The committee also tasked the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) to conduct an information campaign particularly on this requirement among the furniture industry.