The Federation of Philippines Industry (FPI) said there are concerns that the Philippines has missed the opportunity to revive its manufacturers, citing difficulties in making goods in the country.
“I think it’s time to bring back manufacturing now,” FPI president John Reinier Dizon said in a briefing last week.
“We won’t lie. Is manufacturing easy? Is it easy to produce locally? Of course not. The process of licensing alone is difficult.”
He noted that the Philippines would miss out on the opportunities provided by its best places for population and natural resources.
“If we can be independent and self-sustaining, it would be ideal. I think we have 115 million Filipinos north. Many people say we are in the best position for the crowd.”
He added: “I think we have good condition in agriculture and metal and non-metallic minerals. All the ingredients are there, but we just need to blend our behavior.”
Regulations that can help manufacturers include the Tatak Pino Act, corporate recovery and tax benefits for businesses to maximize the use of the economy to revitalize the economy (create more) bill, and the new Government Procurement Act.
He added: “The law is there…I don’t think we need new laws. I think we just need to enforce and enforce them.”
He also cited the need to create a horizontal competitive environment for manufacturers.
“If you want to import, you have to level the playing field to ensure that the country has a chance. I think decades ago, this country was spinning for trade liberalization, let’s face it, we (not showed up) winners,” he said.
He added: “You have all the laws that can protect the industry, such as safeguards and anti-dumping, but we need to use these tools to help our local businesses be competitive.” – Justin Ireland D. Table
