DTI maps out industry development plan

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is developing and consolidating industry roadmaps to boost competitiveness.

“DTI is working on a comprehensive industry development strategy. We will work towards consolidating industry roadmaps to help identify key strategies, investment requirements and the required policy support to increase our competitiveness and sustain economic growth,” Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Adrian Cristobal Jr. said Tuesday.

The plan is also an offshoot of the clamor of businessmen for the government to come up with a comprehensive industry development plan, adding that DTI will be partnering with the private sector to achieve this goal.

The various roadmaps that would be consolidated include that of existing growth industries like the electronics, ICT/BPO/call centers, shipbuilding, steel fabrication, mining and plantation farming.

Others include mostly small and medium enterprises like the agribusiness, tourism, processed food, handicraft and manufacturing businesses. “These are the industries that could help boost job generation in the countryside. The third category of industries with large scale potential includes car/tire manufacturing, bamboo, palm oil, rubber, corn, and prawn farming among others.”

Cristobal noted that most industries such as the IT/BPO as well as the semiconductor and electronics industries already have their roadmaps in place. “DTI will help the growing industries develop their respective roadmaps.”

The need for a comprehensive industry development plan was underscored during the series of public consultations on trade policy dubbed “One Country, One Voice” held in key cities and provinces, including Negros Occidental.

Results of consultations with different business chambers also pointed to the need for a comprehensive plan. “The public consultation series had been instrumental in developing partnerships with the stakeholders and in developing initiatives for better governance.” (CGC)