The ribbon-cutting ceremony kicking off National Exporters’ Week was graced by (from L-R): Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) OIC Executive Director Fe Avila; Bureau of Customs (BoC) Port Operations Service Acting Director Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay; Department of Trade and Industry — Export Management Bureau (DTI-EMB) Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte; DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty; ASEAN-Japan Center Secretary-General Kunihiko Hirabayashi, MD, PhD; DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo; Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr.; PHILEXPORT Trustee for Garments Sector Diana H. Santos; ASEAN-Japan Centre Research and Advocacy Cluster Assistant Director Ishida-Yasushi; PHILEXPORT Trustee for Metals Sector Bernardo T. Benedicto III (back); and PHILEXPORT Trustee for Fabrics Sector Robert M. Young.

The constant call for sustainability has been felt by industries, pushing each to modify their strategies and transform their processes in ways that are not detrimental to the environment they work with. Likewise, the Philippine exports sector sees sustainability as an essential driver of its future, raising the need for stakeholders to foster greater understanding and more collaborative actions to enable exporters to nurture a responsible environment and deliver sustainable products and services.

Recognizing this need, the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), in collaboration with the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) and the Export Development Council (EDC), centers this year’s National Exporters’ Week (NEW) on discussions about advancing the country’s export industry through sustainable innovation.

Presidential Proclamation 931, series of 1996 and House Resolution No.33 declared the first week of December as the Exporters’ Week to obtain total government and private sector commitment to continuously sustain export promotion and development.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo opened this year’s National Exporters Week with the theme “Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Philippine Exports” and highlighted the vital role of sustainable practices in driving the growth of the export sector.

Happening this Dec. 2-6 at the Conrad Manila, NEW 2024 is anchored on the theme “Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Philippine Exports.” As part of the broader objective of the Philippines to be an Agile Export Powerhouse in Key Export Industries, the 2024 theme focuses on the importance of adopting sustainable practices as a core strategy in building long-term competitiveness and growth of Philippine exports. The theme emphasizes the importance of sustainable materials and production methods, ethical sourcing, cost-effective strategies, and responsible supply chains to ensure long-term competitiveness. The theme also seeks to contribute to the country’s goal to transform the Philippines into Southeast Asia’s hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services by empowering the private sector through market-based tools.

A highlight of the NEW 2024 will be the National Export Congress (NEC), which aims to emphasize the growing importance of sustainable practices in driving the future of the export industry as shaped by market regulations, business practices, and consumer preferences. The congress will gather key stakeholders to examine the impact of sustainability regulations in global markets and to explore how sustainable practices can shape businesses and help them meet evolving consumer demands.

PHILEXPORT President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. delivering a message during the Opening Ceremony, focusing on the role of government and private sector in “developing and nurturing export winners.”

NEC 2024 will have four sessions. The first session, titled “Sustainability Practices and Regulations in the International Market,” will delve into the dynamic and evolving landscape of sustainable exporting, emphasizing the significant role of current and emerging government regulations. The impact of market regulations and trade policies will be a central point, examining policies that are designed to promote greener practices among exporters.

Session 2, titled “Sustainability from the Business and Consumer Perspectives,” will look at the current sustainability practices of businesses and the broader impact of these efforts. The discussions aim to delve deeper into the growing awareness on the importance of sustainability and how it is shaping trends, influencing consumer behavior, and affecting economic dynamics worldwide.

Also, during the congress, select Philippine exporters will be recognized at the third session for their achievements and contribution to the country’s export industry. Select government agencies will also be recognized for their significant contribution in supporting and facilitating the growth of exporters.

Capping off this gathering, the fourth session will feature initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for women-led businesses to thrive in global markets while promoting sustainable trade practices. Select sustainability initiatives in the country will also be presented to support efforts Philippine businesses to adopt sustainable business practices.

Aside from NEC, the NEW 2024 features thematic sessions on various export-related topics, particularly those promoting responsible supply chains, ethical sourcing, and innovative production methods.

Day 1 of the National Exporters Week: Usapang Exports discussion on Free Trade Agreements focused on the Philippines and Japan relations was led by PHILEXPORT Executive Vice-President Senen M. Perlada.

A series of information sessions under “Usapang Exports” to equip exporters on sustainability and market trends. Key sessions include discussions on maximizing the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs) with Japan and the launch of the Philippine FTA Information Portal, both on Dec. 2

On Dec. 3, “Usapang Exports” held a session catering to women-led or owned businesses under the SheTrades Philippines Hub, as well as another where DTI trade attachés will lead a deep dive into digitalization and sustainable practices in international markets.

Day 2 of the National Exporters Week: Usapang Exports session on “Know Your Markets” with the PHILEXPORT Vice-President for Advocacy, Communications and Special Concerns Ma. Flordeliza C. Leong moderating the discussion with trade attaches for Guangzhou, Vice-Consul Froilan Emil D. Panganiban; Brussels, Magnolia Misolas-Ashley; UAE, Vichael Angelo Roaring; Malaysia, Norjamin G. Delos Reyes; and Los Angeles, Eric C. Elnar.

Aside from “Usapang Exports,” the NEW 2024 features “ARISE Plus Philippines” sessions, which aim to contribute to unlock business opportunities for Philippine micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the European Union (EU) market.

Accounting for 99.5% of all enterprises, MSMEs represent 60% of the country’s exporters, and generate 25% of export revenues, which is higher than in other ASEAN countries. The EU market represents substantial market opportunities for Philippine businesses. It is estimated that the EU market represents a further USD 11 billion worth of unrealized export potential for the Philippines. Philippine exports to the EU, however, remain comparatively low relative to those of other ASEAN countries.

The “ARISE Plus Philippines” sessions will included the EU-Philippines Partnership Conference on Dec. 4, delving into the market opportunities and challenges for exporters in the EU market, with a particular focus on the implications of the EU Green Deal. Following the conference, on Dec. 6, in-depth masterclasses will provide practical guidance on ensuring food product compliance with EU regulations and navigating the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation.

The NEW 2024 also showcases select Philippine exporters at the Exporters’ Exhibit from Dec. 2 to 5, culminating in the Export Enablers Exhibit, where key government agencies and private sector partners will provide direct assistance to Philippine exporters. The exhibit runs daily throughout the NEW from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is open to the public.

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