FPI issues wish list for government

MANILA, Philippines - The release of the country’s manufacturing road map, revival of the Industry Development Council (IDC), and the creation of economic zones for domestic manufacturers form part of what the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) want to see this year to make the sector more competitive and support economic growth, an official said.

FPI director Roberto Batungbacal said in a telephone interview that the group would want the government to launch this year the integrated road map which will provide the direction to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector.

The integrated road map is being crafted by the government with the different industry stakeholders.

Apart from the launch of the integrated road map, Batungbacal said the FPI would also want to see this year, the revival of the IDC,which will assist in the crafting of a national industrialization strategy.

The Trade Department said last year it has been given the green-light to revive the IDC created during the term of former President Ramos.

The IDC which is composed of representatives from different government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance and Department of Science and Technology, and the private sector, has become inactive for some time.

“We would want the government to make manufacturing a top priority of the country’s economic planners,” Batungbacal said.

He said the group is also pushing for the government to create “Philippine Economic Zone Authority-type” economic zones for domestic manufacturers as a form of support to the sector.

He said the group would likewise want to see a competitive currency this year noting that locally-produced goods become costlier compared to those made overseas when the peso continues to appreciate.

As the illegal entry of goods to the country remains to be a challenge to local manufacturers, he said the group would want the government to step-up efforts to fight smuggling.

“We want government to vigorously fight smuggling, to elevate it as a presidential priority instead of just a bureau matter,” he said.

He said that if all these actions would be taken, the local manufacturing sector is expected to become more competitive which will not only create jobs but also drive economic growth.