Tuesday, April 03, 2007 2 sectors ready for trade lib
THE country’s electronics and semi-conductor industries and manufacturers of electrical harness for all types of vehicles are the best prepared sector in the global competition.
The assessment was made by former economic deputy director Ponciano Intal Jr. recently at the two-day workshop by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to study the readiness of 23 Philippine industries that are bound to be exposed to a new round of trade liberalization.
Although the semiconductor and electronics industries compose bulk of the country’s exports and are seen to be “prepared to take on any challenger here and anywhere in the world,” this could not be said in the case of consumer electronics.
Consumer electronics include cell phones, home appliances and personal gadgets like Ipods.
Trend
The trend is different in other industries, with automotive having the most complicated problems that need to be settled between the assemblers and the part makers.
There is also an issue between the importers and smugglers of completely built units and second-hand motor vehicles.
Representatives of the jewelry industry, on the other hand, objected to sweeping findings that its technology is still decades behind other countries.
With the help of consultants tapped by the Guild of Philippine Jewelers—a newly confederated group—it was disclosed that the fine jewelry industry has moved forward from being 30 years behind Thailand and other major exporters a few years ago, to 15 years behind today.
With a little more help, industry leaders said they can become at par with their competitors. (Phil-export News)
