Philippine exports are poised to post a decline this year due to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to Senen Perlada, director of the Export Marketing Bureau.
“We will get there again, but the focus is domestic,” said Perlada at a recent webinar hosted by the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.
But Perlada said agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and financial services stand to grow during the period affected by the lockdown.
In terms of export markets, he said, China and South Korea are slowly getting back on track and that exporters to US are most affected.
He added demand for electronics exports is still high, as the demand for healthcare devices skyrocket.
At the webinar, Perlada urged businesses should look at marketspaces, like online platforms, more than geographic spaces during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are now driven to accelerate our digital transformation. To thrive during this time, businesses should strengthen their online-to-offline platforms. Customers can buy online and then just have their orders for pickup or delivery,” Perlada said.
Perlada said aside from being present in online marketplaces, all businesses should have their own website with only 40 percent of exporters have a website.
“Not having a website is okay if you’re selling products or services domestically. But it is unacceptable if you are exporting to other countries,” he said.
