ITC, DTI launch handbook for MSMEs exporting to EU

MANILA, Philippines — The International Trade Centre (ITC) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have launched a handbook that will guide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on complying with key technical and regulatory requirements to successfully export to the huge European Union (EU) market, especially given its untapped export opportunities.

Developed by the ITC in collaboration with the DTI and with inputs from the public and private sectors to respond to challenges of exporting, the Business Guides on Exporting to the EU from the Philippines will be a useful tool for local businesses seeking to understand and comply with the requirements to export to the EU market.

The guides also seek to address other challenges faced by MSMEs and new exporters in terms of understanding the opportunities available, the avenues to export to the EU, complying with complex and evolving requirements to trade with the EU, or demonstrating compliance.

The business guides are a series comprising a general guide, and five sector specific guides covering raw agricultural products, processed food products, garments and textiles, machinery, and electrical equipment.

Relevant references to practical tools for staying up to date on the specific requirements are also available to users.

DTI assistant secretary and officer-in-charge of the Trade Promotions Group Glenn Peñaranda said trade with the EU holds significant importance for the Philippines.

“The EU GSP+ has been instrumental in expanding our exports to the EU market, contributing not only to economic growth and inclusive development, enabling our communities across the country to engage in exports to the EU. There is still untapped potential in the EU market. The Business Guides offer key market information to the private sector for accessing the EU market,” he said.

The Export Potential Analysis 2021 from the ITC identified $13 billion export potential for the EU market, of which $7.15 billion or 54 percent is untapped potential. This indicates the Philippines can still grow its presence in the EU market.

The guides will be available at future awareness-raising events planned by ITC under the ARISE Plus Philippines project and as resources on the relevant online platforms of the Philippines government and relevant stakeholders.

ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Philippine government, with the DTI as the lead partner together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector.

It is funded by the EU with ITC as the technical agency for the project.