By BERNIE CAHILES–MAGKILAT
The Philippines is eyeing of tapping the huge China market for its exports of automotive parts and components following strong indication by at least five Chinese car manufacturers and other car firms based there to source its supplies from Manila.
This was bared by a top trade official, who talked with Chinese car assemblers during a recent trade mission to China.
With this development, the Board of Investments is discussing with the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines to conduct a roadshow to China.
"We have not tapped China as a market for auto components so, this is an opening for us," the official said.
The official said the readiness of China to open up their market to the Philippines is a result of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement that is expected to be completed by 2010.
Export of auto components is among the areas identified by the government as among its 11 priority areas for export promotion under the Business Development Program.
Executive Order 372, which created the Public-Private Task Force for the Development of Globally Competitive Philippine Service Industries has also identified this sector for its huge potential.
Co-chaired by DTI Secretary Peter B. Favila and former DTI Secretary and Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista, the Task Force is developing the private sector-led and government-enabled strategic framework and national policies for the continued development and promotion of the priority sectors.
As public sector chair of the Task Force, Favila will lead public sector initiatives in utilizing critical private sector inputs in the sound formulation of policy framework and vision setting.
The framework aims to guide government in preparing for bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations and provide clarity and harmony in the functions of government agencies involved in the sectors’ development and promotion.
Other sectors included in the BDP are the construction materials, electronics, food, giftware and holiday decor, home furnishings, marine products, motor vehicle parts and components, organics and natural products, and wearables.
The Task Force is composed of the Secretaries of DTI and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Chairpersons of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Development Authority (SBMA), and five private sector representatives, among others. Ambassador Roberto R. Romulo serves as its adviser.
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