THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it entered into a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote greater use of free trade agreements (FTAs).
On Monday, PCCI and DTI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other free trade and preferential trade agreements, which is expected to help businesses and industry associations rise their participation in global value chains.
“The MoU is intended to create a strategic and institutional partnership between the government and the business community to capitalize on these agreements,” the PCCI said in an advisory.
Under the MoU, the two parties will conduct trade education and mentorship programs, establish trade assistance centers or help desks in key regions and provinces, provide networking and linkage opportunities, and share resources.
The partnership also gives the PCCI access to DTI data and DTI assistance in PCCI collaboration with other government instrumentalities.
The PCCI agreed to promote FTAs within its membership and identify industry associations to serve as pilot participants for international trade assistance centers. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
