LAPU-LAPU CITY — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is promoting expanded e-commerce as part of its integration agenda, saying it holds the potential to widen the reach of trade in the region.
Apr 062017
Mar 252017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Myanmar President U Htin Kiaw witness the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and Myanmar Minister of Agricultural, Livestock and Irrigation Dr. Aung Thu during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on March 20, 2017. The MOU is intended to strengthen both countries’ food security and agriculture cooperation. (Photo by Toto Lozano)(PPD Malacanang) MANILA, March 22 (PNA) – The Philippines has asked Myanmar to support its agenda for ASEAN, as the country chairs the summit this year,Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters Wednesday. Lopez has joined President Rodrigo Duterte in his visit to Myanmar early this week. “Of course, as chair of ASEAN, the Philippines consistently sought Myanmar’s support for the region’s deliverables this year, touching on increasing trade and investment, integrating MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) into the global value chain, and promoting an innovation-driven economy,” he said. During the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat and Related Meetings held in Manila, the Philippines has pushed for initiatives such as self-certification scheme for MSMEs; action agenda on investment, inclusive business, and women and youth entrepreneurship; endorsement of ASEAN Declaration on Innovation; ASEAN Roll-on Roll-off Network; endorsement of the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement; and conclusion of the text of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Myanmar’s Planning and Finance Deputy Minister Maung Maung Win attended the AEM meeting early this month. In a bilateral level, the two ASEAN member states have agreed to strengthen ties Read More …
Mar 102017
THE European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said on Friday the two blocs would try to revive plans for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between them, as European countries look to tap the region’s strong growth.
Jan 272017
THE government will be banking on trade and tourism to drive economic growth in 2017 as ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including China and Russia are expected to be strengthened, especially with the Philippines’ 2017 chairmanship of the ASEAN.
Jan 242017
THE Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN this year will be marked by a deepening of regional ties in order to keep the trajectory of inclusive growth on an “upswing.”
Jan 232017
THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said that the new Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) will help address certain “pressing issues” on the investment process, given the high cost of doing business here compared to other ASEAN countries.
Oct 262016
On Sept. 26, the Department of Finance (DoF) submitted to Congress the first package (out of four) of its proposed tax reform program, the purpose of which is to create a tax system that is simpler, fairer and more efficient, characterized by low rates and a broad base. This is a huge change in our tax system, and one that took a long time coming, I must say, since our National Internal Revenue Code has been in existence for almost two decades, and yet no major reforms (at least not of this magnitude) have been formally passed, until last month. Also, with the ASEAN integration, and the Philippines having one of the highest personal income tax rates and one of the narrowest tax bases within the Asia-Pacific region, it is high time that a major revamp of our existing tax system be considered.
May 092016
THE PHILIPPINES will become increasingly dependent on Southeast Asian countries for imported goods amid the region’s economic integration, the Department of Finance (DoF) chief economist said.
Feb 192016
THE UNITED STATES and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to “further deepen ties and job-promoting trade and economic opportunities” among them, the Office of the United States Trade Representative said.
Dec 292015
DAVAO CITY — Banana growers and exporters in the Philippines, currently the second biggest such industry in the world, are bracing for competition from fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which have started to develop banana plantations.