Policy Advocacy, Communications and Special Concerns

As the unified voice of exporters, PHILEXPORT is actively engaged in policy consultations, discussions and deliberations on issues affecting the industry. Position papers and policy programs are developed and implemented based on inputs generated from its members. Its network in this area covers business organizations such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI); Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP); the academe; three branches of government; other trade-related government agencies; media and trade-related non-government organizations.

Some key policy initiatives, laws and programs by PHILEXPORT with the Export Development Council (EDC), the highest export policymaking body in the country, include the following:

approval and implementation of the Export Development Act of 1994;
streamlining of export procedures;
elimination and/or reduction of certain export fees;
industry participation in trade agreements;
approval of the Export Promotion Fund and other relevant policies, projects and laws; and
waiver of travel tax for trade mission and promotion purposes.

Advocacy programs and activities also include the following:

General Membership Meetings;
conduct of surveys, studies, consultations, workshops and fora;
conducting consultations and researches;
drafting of position papers;
participation in policy advocacy Committees such as Procedures Simplification; Legislative Advocacy; Market Development, Access and Promotion; Environment and Climate Change; Financing; Infrastructure and Logistics; Energy; Human Resource Development; and Labor and Employment.

Information Collection and Dissemination

PHILEXPORT responds to the information needs of its members through:

PHILEXPORT News and Features (PNF)

The PNF is a major policy advocacy publication released every Friday to media outlets and PHILEXPORT members nationwide. It carries PHILEXPORT positions on issues; news and feature stories on important events and activities; and even promotion- and marketing-oriented articles. Initiated with USAID funding assistance, it is now fully managed and funded by PHILEXPORT.

PHILEXPORT Portal (www.philexport.ph) and social media accounts: Facebook (www.facebook.com/philexport), Twitter (@PHILEXPORTMNL), YouTube (PHILEXPORT Manila)

The Portal features information on PHILEXPORT as an organization, its services, industry profiles, list of PHILEXPORT members, policy and market updates and other publications, trade opportunities, calendar of events, links to relevant trade web sites, matching facility between buyers and sellers and a tariff database. There are also on-line applications to avail of certain services, web site advertisement, membership and its renewal, aside from providing a venue for members’ suggestions and comments on certain issues.

Market Update, Policy Advisories and Activities Bulletin

Released weekly and quarterly, these information tools provide the latest and important information and are sent to all or to sectoral members within 48 hours of receipt by PHILEXPORT. Sources include embassies, online newsletters and other publications; local and international business support organizations, government and other similar agencies.

News-At-A-Glance (NAAG)

This contains a summary of trade and economic-related headlines gathered from seven major newspapers sent daily to all members.