The 2023-2028 Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) will incorporate bold and aggressive reforms that will set new directions for the sector, according to Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.
In a statement, Ortiz-Luis said some of the recommendations include lifting land ownership ceilings for commercial scale agribusiness, establishing a Bureau of Agri-Industrial Cooperatives Development in the Department of Agriculture,and amending the charters and regulatory frameworks of the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and the Small Business Corp. to allow them leeway to fulfill their mandates.
Ratifying the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP) is also a key recommendation in the plan.
The RCEP is a free trade agreement among the 15 Asia-Pacific nations including the Philippines, creating the largest trading block representing nearly a third of the world’s gross domestic product.
PEDP is in its final stages of completion. We’re ptimistic about the new PEDP. It’s more than just renewing commitment to export development, it’s about being bold and aggressive, while recognizing persistent areas for improvements where we must have the determination to solve permanently,” said Ortiz-Luis, commenting on the draft plan in a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the Export Development Council (EDC). Ortiz0-Luis is EDC vice chairman.
The PEDP also highlights private sector opportunities to hone Filipino creative capabilities and build global brands from the unique features and benefits of the Filipino products and services.
“This time, the PEDP will no longer just play the course, but will directly play the competitor. With new directions, capabilities, scale and strength,” Ortiz-Luis Jr. said. – Irma Isip
