RP hosts second APEC automotive dialogue

The auto industry comes under the limelight anew as the country plays host to an APEC conference which is expected to tackle international issues affecting the development, manufacture and trade of vehicles.

The Philippines will host the Second Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Automotive Dialogue on April 5 to 8. The dialogue aims to draw up work plans in the areas of automotive standards, customs, intellectual property rights, traffic congestion and supplier assistance, the Department of Trade and Industry announced yesterday.

Industry and government leaders are expected to tackle measures to assist the recovery of ASEAN suppliers and impediments to the growth of the auto industry.

Trade Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino said the dialogue is a vehicle to further strengthen the automotive sector of its member-countries.

Trends and issues affecting the industry will be discussed in order to gain better understanding and formulate better policies to further develop local capabilities in quality, safety and environment, Aquino added.

The Philippines is expected to deliver its perspective on the regional auto industry before about 150 senior government officials and industry executives from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the US.

Aquino said the Philippines will use the conference to highlight its capability as a reliable site for auto-assembly operations and parts manufacturing.

The 1st APEC Automotive Dialogue was held in Bali, July last year.