Exporters seek government support in bracing for market upturn

CEBU, Philippines - While export recovery is expected particularly from the American market, local exporters are seeking help from the government to assist them to take advantage of the rebound.

Gifts, Decors and Housewares Exporters Foundation Inc. (Cebu-GDH) past president Ramir Bonghanoy said that trade regulations and policies should be reviewed by the government as some of them are already outdated, and do not anymore applicable in today's business environment.

Bonghanoy mentioned the common business sentiments of unresolved bureaucracy in all levels of government hierarchy. This is an important factor to look at, in order for the Philippines to take advantage of the recovery.

Otherwise, other counterpart countries, whose governments are committed to support in boosting their export trade, will be able to take the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Bonghanoy emphasized the exporters’ dire need for support in promotion, research and development, market intelligence, and others.

Although recovery is clearer now, it does not mean however that everybody shall be benefitted by it, as the preference of the market has now changed, compared to the pre-crisis times.

Aside from the fast transforming market, exporters also have to strengthen its ability to fight off the increasingly difficult competition, while the US market is starting to consider newer and fresher makers, outside of the Philippines.

In this area, the government is called to assist the export sector, to sustain its market hold specifically in the United States.

From January to July of this year, homestyle exports, which include furniture, decors, giftware went up by 3.32 percent to US$ 237.94 million from US$230.29 million in the same period of last year. (FREEMAN)