Monday, November 03, 2008 New permit renewal system leads to retail sector growth
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is tapping technology and the private sector to help boost the retail segment in the country.
During the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Cebu’s second general membership meeting last Oct. 29, lawyer Josh Carol Ventura of DTI 7 said that more cities and municipalities in Cebu have started implementing a more efficient and effective business permit and licensing system (BPLS).
Since the German Technical Cooperation, DTI and the Department of the Interior and Local Government introduced BPLS last July, the municipalities of Consolacion, Moalboal, Barili, Argao, Cordova and Liloan, as well as the cities of Naga, Danao and Carcar, have streamlined their BPLS systems to make them investor-friendly.
“You could look at these locations as among your possible target areas for expansion,” Ventura told PRA members.
Also, DTI will launch an online link for retailers, through which the agency can send updates, administrative orders and other industry data to retailers. The department partnered with various organizations, including PRA Cebu, for database purposes.
“In return, you may give us your feedback so that DTI will know how to address your concerns,” Ventura said.
DTI will also open next month an intellectual property (IP) satellite office for Central Visayas at its regional office in Cebu to address IP concerns and issues.
Ventura disclosed that the DTI Cebu office is currently working with the creative group of Jay Aldeguer’s Island Souvenirs to come up with five to seven framed advisories. These will be placed in different counters of supermarkets and retail outlets.
“We want to ensure that these advisories will not just be eye-catching but we also want that their messages are delivered clearly to consumers,” Ventura said.
Meanwhile, with the growing demand for halal food, DTI has been prompted to come up with standards for halal food through the Bureau of Product Standards.
After a certification seminar for food processors, restaurants and hotels last month, DTI is eyeing another seminar for retailers, which are encouraged to come up with a halal corner in supermarkets. (NRC)
