
Pasay City, Philippines –– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully spearheaded the National Export Congress (NEC) 2024 with the theme “Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Philippine Exports.” Held at the Conrad Hotel, the event underscored the critical role of sustainability in the Philippines’ strong position in the international market.
“As global markets focus on sustainability, our exporters must adopt eco-friendly practices to stay competitive. This shift benefits both the environment and our industry, creating opportunities for innovation and growth,” Secretary Cristina A. Roque said.
“This year, we bring to the fore key initiatives that empower Philippine businesses to adopt these practices, ensuring their growth while contributing to a greener, more resilient global economy,” she emphasized.
In line with this commitment, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. stressed the advantages of compliance. “Working with a sustainability lens also enables companies to differentiate or build brands, penetrate new markets or new segments where sustainability matters, and develop new partnerships and sales channels.”
Moreover, Mr. Ortiz-Luis Jr. emphasized the financial incentives for businesses that champion sustainability, adding that business opportunities, reportedly valued at $12 trillion, are available across various industries and markets.
Hosted by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), in collaboration with the Export Development Council (EDC) and the PHILEXPORT, the event had an impressive turnout with around 700 attendees—exporters, government and private sector partners, and export enablers included.
Attendees witnessed demonstrations of the whole-of-nation approach through various government sustainability initiatives, including the Department of Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program 4.0 that aims to transform micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into smart MSMEs through the SMARTER Strategic Themes. These include sustainable economy, market competence, able human capital, responsive s&t support infrastructure, technology and innovation, enterprise support, and resiliency and continuity.
Furthermore, the Intellectual Property Office introduced the IPOPHL Green Technology Incentive Program, which waives certain application fees for intellectual property related to technologies that foster sustainable innovation and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Another highlight of the congress is the launching of a strategic partnership between the DTI and the Department of Agriculture, formalized through a memorandum of agreement to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries exports.
The collaboration focuses on enhancing market access, building capacity, and ensuring regulatory compliance within the export sector.
In keeping with the Philippine Development Plan and the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028, the agreement seeks to transform the Philippine agricultural industry into a globally competitive and sustainable sector.
Backed by a wide international support, the event also showcased the International Trade Centre’s SheTrades initiative for inclusive sustanable growth through expanded market access for women entrepreneurs.
Additionally, it marked the launch of transformative efforts like the International Trade Centre Climate Competitiveness Project aimed at equipping businesses with tools to adopt environmentally sustainable and competitive practices.
Recognizing the top-performing exporters for their achievements in excellence and innovation, 16 companies were awarded in the following categories:
- Export Performance Excellence: Accenture in the Philippines, Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, Inc., Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc., Northridge Foods Company, Inc., TI (Philippines), Inc., and Industrial Welding Corporation
- Export Performance Excellence in the Creative Sector: Toon City (Morph Animation Inc.), Neun Farben Corporation, and Taktyl Studios
- Services Diversification: BlastAsia, Inc. and Pointwest Innovations Corporation.
- Product Diversification: GEM Foods International Inc. and Astec Power Philippines, Inc./Advanced Energy
- Market Access Excellence: Jollibee Foods Corporation, Dole Philippines, Inc., and Ionics EMS, Inc.
For more information on exports, visit tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph. For inquiries on the National Export Congress 2024, email the DTI-EMB at exports@dti.gov.ph. ♦
Date of release: 23 December 2024