THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Tuesday that it launched the Origin Management System, which is expected to increase exporter utilization of the Philippines鈥 free trade agreements (FTAs).
鈥淚t digitizes and streamlines the complex process of securing a certificate of origin. This is the key to unlocking the full potential of our preferential trade agreements,鈥 Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said on Tuesday at the National Exporters鈥 Week.
鈥淚t eliminates delays and administrative costs and ensures reliability and compliance with international standards,鈥 she added.
The system will automate and modernize origin determination, certification, and document management, making it easier for exporters to avail of tariff preferences, she said.
The system, developed through a partnership with South Korea, will help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) navigate FTA requirements, the DTI said.
Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the platform will be cross-compatible with all FTAs and other trading schemes.
鈥淓verything can be done online. This will make the process faster 鈥 This will definitely increase the utilization of FTAs,鈥 he said on the sidelines of National Exporters鈥 Week.
鈥淔or MSMEs, it is now more likely they will avail of the tariff preferences kasi nga mas madali and mas mura dahil online na e (because the process is now easier and cheaper because it鈥檚 online),鈥 he added.
Developed with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, Ms. Roque said the project is 鈥渂uilt on the shared vision to strengthen trade, enhance transparency, and empower our exports in the global market base.鈥
The DTI will also launch PHX SOURCE, an online discovery platform that will feature over 6,000 exporters for global buyers.
鈥淒eveloped in partnership with Qsweep Technologies, the platform will connect exporters with international buyers through a unified directory, real-time analytics, and engagement tools,鈥 it said.
鈥淧HX SOURCE aims to enhance visibility and expand market access for Philippine exporters, especially MSMEs,鈥 it added. 鈥 Justine Irish D. Tabile
