Stronger Economy Gives Phl Better Opportunities for AEC 2015, DTI Says
May 30, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – Given the current good standing and continuously growing economy of the country, the Philippines has a better opportunity to face the challenges of the ASEAN Economic Community(AEC).
This was stressed by Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr in his message delivered by DTI Asec Rafaelita Aldaba during the Industry Road Map and AEC Game Plan: Regional Localization Competitiveness Roadshow at the Baguio Country Club here on Thursday.
Cristobal pointed-out that the Philippines is currently one of the fastest growing countries in the region with economic growth consistently growing since 2012. By 2014, it already reached 6.1 percent growth and with over $6 billion dollar in foreign direct investments.
To boost the competitiveness to the AEC of industry stakeholders including Small and Medium Enterprises, DTI and its attached agency, the Bureau of Investments and other partners, are conducting the Industry Road mapping Project, Cristobal said.
The Baguio leg is the fourth of a nationwide roadshow for a roadmap localization activities with regional stakeholders for the crafting of local roadmaps that are aligned with the national strategies for the growth and development of local priority sectors and products.
Aside from the IRP, DTI is also spearheading a Manufacturing Resurgence Program and the formulation of Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy as well as the Shared Service Facility project to help boost productivity of SMEs.
In ensuring that national programs are relevant in the regions and are localized and effectively implemented, Cristobal pointed out the need for proper coordination with the private sector and synergy with the academe and local industries.
“With the bright (economic) prospects of our country, we cannot miss these opportunities. By working together in identifying interventions and initiatives to upgrade our industries and MSMEs and boosting the competitiveness of our regional economies, particularly here in CAR, we can bring in a more sustainable and inclusive economic growth to the country”, Cristobal said.
The forum was attended by regional line agency officials, local government representatives, members of the academe and local industry stakeholders.
Presentations were provided on the Local Convergence and Industry and Trade Roadmaps which include: Potential and Challenges in the region; Study on Processed Vegetables and Fruits; the DA National Coffee Industry Roadmap; the CAR Coffee Development Plan; Aerospace Industry Roadmap; Regional integration and the National Development Agenda; EU GSP+; the New Philippine Industry Policy for More Competitive Regional Economies and Greening the Industry Roadmaps./JDP/CCD – PIA CAR
