A large group photo capturing the participants of the DTI's National Workshop on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). Attendees from government, the private sector, and various associations are gathered inside a formal function room/ballroom setting.

Makati City, Philippines—On April 02, the Department of Trade and Industry spearheaded the advancement of paperless trading by hosting the National Workshop on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR).

Through the DTI’s Bureau of International Trade Relations and the E-Commerce Bureau, the workshop drew over 100 participants from government agencies, the private sector, and various business associations. Discussions centered on the importance of digitalizing trade processes and fostering a more efficient and transparent business environment through the adoption of the UNCITRAL MLETR.

The workshop featured insights from diverse representatives, including those from UNESCAP, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Chamber of Commerce, governments of Australia, Timor-Leste, and the UK. Domestic perspectives were also shared by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the DTI, the Professional Regulatory Board for Customs Brokers, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, and private practitioners—all highlighting the benefits and challenges of implementing the MLETR.

In her keynote address, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted the crucial role of digitalization in global trade. She emphasized how the MLETR ensures the legal recognition of electronic documents in cross-border transactions, aligning the Philippines with international frameworks to enhance trade efficiency and transparency.

“The Philippines is ready to adopt and harmonize its regulations, leveraging existing laws such as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 to facilitate the full integration of electronic transferable records and unlock the benefits of the digital economy, including for MSMEs,” the trade chief affirmed.

A wide-angle group photo of the participants attending the DTI's National Workshop on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). The attendees are gathered in a large, formal function room, with some seated at the front and others standing behind or seated at round tables.

DTI Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero stressed the importance of scoping the Philippines’ legal, regulatory, and private sector readiness for MLETR implementation. He acknowledged that while the Philippines has made significant strides in digital trade facilitation, certain legislative and regulatory challenges remain.

“The MLETR establishes a legislative framework that gives electronic transferable records the same legal standing as their paper-based counterparts. In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, this shift is not merely a technological advancement—it is a strategic imperative for enabling secure, efficient, and paperless trade,” Assistant Secretary Teodoro emphasized.

Throughout the workshop, speakers and panelists reinforced the advantages of MLETR adoption, particularly in strengthening supply chain efficiency, building trust, and ensuring transparency in transactions. Ms. Pamela Mar of ICC identified the need to align 35 key trade documents and data elements to enable inter-operability and data-sharing. Mr. Luca Castellani, UNCITRAL Secretary and Legal Officer for the Working Group on E-Commerce, underscored that MLETR fosters innovation in trade finance and logistics, stressing its adaptability to legal and technological environments.

Representatives from Australia, the UK, and Timor-Leste shared their experiences in adopting the Model Law, outlining their benefits and challenges. The UK expects savings of 1.5 billion pounds for its traders over 10 years and an 80% reduction in transaction costs through the adoption of the model law. Timor-Leste supported the importance of public-private stakeholder collaboration to address resistance from businesses still accustomed to paper-based processes.  

Collectively reaffirming the crucial role of private-public sector collaboration, private sector practitioners from RCBC, Divina Law, Alliance of Technology Innovators for the Nation, GS1 Philippines and InterCommerce engaged in an interactive panel discussion alongside representatives from the World Bank, BOC, PCCI, Professional Regulation Commission, UP Law Center (UPLC), and the DTI.

In his closing remarks, DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty stated, “By adopting MLETR, the Philippines will benefit greatly from the institutionalization of electronic transferable records. We will empower our businesses, especially our MSMEs, to fully participate in the global marketplace.”

Undersecretary Gepty further emphasized that adopting paperless trading opens doors to advanced data analytics and global trade opportunities. He concluded by noting that this effort aligns with the Philippines’ broader development goals and signals the country’s readiness for the future of international commerce. ♦

Date of Release: 10 April 2025

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