Traders to take more active role in trade policy formulation

MANILA, Philippines - Businessmen will now become more active in the formulation of trade policies.

Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (U-ACT), the affiliate think-tank group of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), has launched academic program that is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of the private sector to actively participate in the crafting of trade policy strategies benefiting the business community.

“The course program is a milestone for the Philippine business community; with ITC’s core strength of providing capacity development programs geared towards improved participation of business in the trade negotiations process, we are ensured of long-term benefits from this course,” Ambassador Donald G. Dee, U-ACT chairman and Special Envoy for trade negotiations said.

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a Geneva-based development institution, is committed to helping trade support institutions deliver integrated solutions for “Export Impact for Good” especially among developing and transition countries. It has developed a trade policy course tackling the intricacies and technicalities of trade policy process and agreements especially designed for the private sector.

The I-MUST PLUS Programme is a product of a U-ACT project funded by the British government, which aims to establish a structured mechanism for the conduct of consultations with the private sector on the merits of trade liberalization and ensuring their utmost participation.

“U-ACT and ITC’s partnership to bring this one of a kind course program to the Philippines is a showcase for Southeast Asia, as we pioneer a knowledge network especially rooted on the sharing of experiences, information and strategies that will enable business’s strong participation and ownership to trade policy reform and process,” Dee said.

For PCCI, the business community is a critical force on the conduct of trade policy strategy; programs that aim to institutionalize and professionalize business sector participation in the trade policy process are necessary.