Sunday, March 15, 2009

DTI exec cites challenges during economic slowdown


DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Merly Cruz has cited challenges and opportunities in these times of crisis.

In her presentation during the Philippine Economic Briefing at the Marco Polo Davao Wednesday, Cruz said the challenges confronting the Philippine exports and investments include the market access issues, negative perception of the country's image, and the slow improvement in Philippines' competitiveness ranking.

She said that among the market access issues identified by the DTI are the Asean integration, the EU expansion and emerging markets, expensive inputs to exports, and currency fluctuations.

"Other issues to consider also include mismatch in skills of human resources to supply the demand of expanding sectors," Cruz said, adding that in these challenging times, people need to think beyond the downturn.

She said strategies are also important to be implemented for both the export and investment sectors.

For the export sector, Cruz said, "we need to accelerate the market diversification, enhance product positioning, strengthen export capacity of enterprises, and empower exporters through policy and legislative actions."

As for investments, she said it is important to think promotion than regulation.

She said there is a need to go out and market the country, harmonize efforts of investment promotion, assist industries to maintain competitiveness, and facilitate and simplify doing business in the Philippines.

"The support measures for the establishment of safety nets for industries, such as training, retooling, and promotion, are also needed and it is also important to help improve business environment of regional location," she said.

No comments:


OTHER LINKS