Minor changes seen in 2011 IPP

MANILA, Philippines - The government may only have to make small changes in the 2011 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), according to Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio.

The list, which enumerates industries entitled to receive incentives from the government, is currently undergoing public review.

It is mandated under the law that the plan be subjected to an annual review and a public hearing.

“Right now we are validating it. There is no final output for it yet. The board will come out with it soon,” Panlilio said.

The Department of Trade and Investments is currently conducting public consultations on the IPP.

Industries covered by the IPP include agriculture and agribusinesses, fisheries, creative industries, shipbuilding, mass housing, energy, research and development, green projects, automotive, tourism, strategic projects, public private partnership projects, and disaster prevention mitigation and recovery projects.

Agriculture and fishery covers the commercial production and processing of agricultural and fishery products, including their byproducts and wastes. This also covers irrigation, post-harvest, cold storage and blast freezing facilities. Ship building covers the construction and repair of ships.

Creative industries cover information technology, film, performing arts, and business process outsourcing which the department continues to be bullish about this year.

Mass housing involves the construction and development of low-cost housing.

Energy covers the exploration, development and utilization of energy resources in the country. Infrastructure covers transport, water, logistics, waste management facilities, physical infrastructure like tollroads, highways, railways and roads, and pipeline projects for oil and gas.

Research and development covers the establishment of testing laboratories, and skills development training hubs.

Green projects cover the manufacture of goods, the utilization of which would lead to efficient use of energy, natural resources or raw materials.