Philippines pushes for single e-commerce platform within ASEAN

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said today that it will propose a single e-commerce platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the ASEAN in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting to be held in Boracay Island.

The ministerial meeting dubbed as "APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade" to be held in May will discuss issues affecting MSMEs and the way they do business across the ASEAN.

"We already have ideas we can agree on identifying e-commerce platform to be used by MSMEs across APEC economies," DTI secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.

The proposed platform outlines customs rules and procedures and regulations for the rules of origin (ROO).

"MSMEs are having a hard time exporting. A single platform wherein they can book their sales and with links to logistics will boost MSME trade across the region," said Domingo.

The Philippines will suggest an MSME with shipments of $2,000 or less be exempt from the ROO, since ROO rules apply to countries of regions with existing free trade agreements.

Domingo pointed out that many of the MSMEs see the influx of goods and services in their own markets, but find it very difficult to take advantage of the free trade agreements because of the very cumbersome rules and procedures.