Export council prepares medium-term targets

MANILA, Philippines - The Export Development Council (EDC) is set to present the proposed Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) containing export targets from 2014 to 2016 within the month.

EDC private sector vice chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. told reporters the council will present the proposed PEDP to the economic cluster.

He noted that a date for the meeting has yet to be set as Trade officials are preparing for President Aquino’s trip to Europe this month.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo, Jr. are expected to be part of the advance party to Europe.

“We hope that before they leave, the cluster can have a meeting,” Ortiz-Luis said.

For his part, EDC Secretariat executive director Senen Perlada said in a text message that the council is “trying to get a schedule to present to the economic cluster and still seeking clearance from the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) management.”

He said earlier that the EDC was looking to present the PEDP to the economic cluster in August.

After the presentation of the PEDP to the economic cluster, the proposal will be given to President Aquino for approval.

The EDC composed of government and private sector representatives has set a target value of $100 billion for total exports by 2016 under the proposed PEDP for 2014 to 2016.

Ortiz-Luis said the target can be achieved amid expectations of positive performance of the services exports which cover the information technology - business process management and tourism sectors.

For merchandise exports, he said electronics, agricultural goods, metal, wood and garments are seen to drive growth.

While the outlook on exports is positive, there are issues which could affect exports growth.

Ortiz-Luis said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ regulations which prohibit the use of certain forest-based products will make it difficult for furniture makers to export.

He added that the expected power supply shortage next year as well as the port congestion could hurt the country’s exports.