The vast opportunities as well as the challenges that face the country’s exports spurred the formation of a new organization, which intends to not just uplift the sector, but also allow more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to capitalize on the global market.
The group, called the Philippine Export Service Providers and Consolidators Association Inc. (PESPCA), likewise intends to elevate the stature of Philippine-made products as a preferred brand, not just among Filipinos abroad, but also in the wider international marketplace.
PESPCA was formally organized recently following the election of its officers and the holding of its first meeting in Parañaque City.
Elected were Tomas Medina as president, Jiten Lalwani as vice-president, Michael Manalang as secretariat, Brian Tan as treasurer, and Angelo Reyes as public relations officer.
PESPCA’s newly installed officers said they will prioritize pressing issues that face the Philippine export industry in an era of continuing pandemic, particularly its effects on shipping and logistics, container availability, freight rates, port congestion, and verified gross mass.
The group will also initiate dialogues with the government on how to make Philippine exports more competitive and attuned with global standards.
Among the agencies it intends to partner with are the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Agriculture.
PESPCA said close coordination with the said agencies is crucial in addressing export market regulation compliance such as foreign language label attachment, printing of correct date formats and order codes, and bundling of promos.
The group is also looking to propose a financing program to allow more MSME producers to cross over to overseas markets. To make these possible local businesses need to sustain a 60 to 90 day cash flow.
The group believes that the Philippines is capable of becoming a major food and non-food exporting country. The continued patronage of Filipinos from all over the world serves as a key entry point for more people abroad to try out and eventually become loyal customers of Philippine brands.