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Get the latest news on global and domestic trade and industry trends and developments. Be aware of the Philippine Government’s programs and projects for the development of Philippine Small and Medium Enterprises.
July 2008 3RD INDUSTRIAL DESIGN FORUM TO BE CONDUCTED DTI holds series of consultations on the Magna Carta for MSMEs June 2008 GenSan SMED Center, now open for business assistance 'We will survive oil price crisis' - Ermita PGMA reactivates Energy Contingency Task Force in face of unabated oil price hikes Microfinance drive up in Brgy. Commonwealth today to highlight Independence Day fete VAT-funded programs bring benefits to the poor Gov't moves to reduce cost of electricity by 64 cents per kilowatt-hour this year PGMA leads 110th Independence Day rites at Rizal Park PGMA instructs DepEd not to require school children to wear uniforms when going to school Presidential Task Force on Energy Contingency meets today in Malacañang Malacañang orders probe of Mindanao rice shortage Unrepealed Martial Law Proclamation to be used to preserve Boracay's tourism value - PGMA DA official says high corn yields raise farmers' income Tawi-Tawi coastal dwellers seen to cash in on mariculture project May 2008 PGMA releases P23.5 M for chalk allowance of NCR teachers DepEd to deploy marshals to monitor prices of school supplies in stores PGMA distributes scholarship checks for P160-M for poor high school students in Valenzuela Malacañang reiterates need to lower power rates PGMA orders labor and trade secretaries to convene tripartite meetings on non-wage benefits Palace backs proposals on tuition hike moratorium -- Bunye PGMA “dismayed” and “fuming” over gruesome killing of 8 RCBC employees and a depositor PNP chief orders police visibility at all times High power cost and food shortage up in NEDA Cabinet group meet PGMA checks on one of the world's best dive sites Tuesday Tax exemption on spare parts in lieu of fare hike eyed RP tourism generates $1B in first quarter 2008 – D.O.T. Balanced budget foreseen as surplus of P25.8 billion in tax collection posted RP's rice management practices ensures supply – PGMA Bringing down the price of rice a global movement – PGMA PGMA says ASEAN Farmer's Summit timely as world food shortage spreads Kabuhayang Pinoy Muna launched Calabarzon wage board grants P20 pay hike SSS implements year-long amnesty for short-term loans PGMA taps state colleges in campaign to increase RP’s agricultural production PGMA cites importance of empowered workplace in RP’s bid for first world Wage increases set June 1 PGMA to DAR: Address the plight of Arroyo Estate’s farmers Anticipation of global supply crunch spared RP rice shortage woes – PGMA PGMA lights up 'virgin white sands' Bicol island Nothing to worry over RP's failed tender for 675,000 tons of Viet rice April 2008 President acts to forestall delays in transport of rice from Mindoro Labor Day is non-working day but not for RWB members RP is now in a position to weather rice and oil problem---PGMA PGMA tells GOCC's to allocate 5% of 2007 surplus for rice production, low-cost medicines Rice too costly for private biz Rice futures rise anew; RP opens auction BIR sharing with LGUs taxpayer data Workers in fishery, agri sector not covered by wage hike Farmers seek total ban on land conversion Bank lending grew 9.4% in February BIR e-Filing extended on technical snags Changing seasons, uncertain harvests Access cards to replace P18.25 NCR rice Oil prices rise to record at mid-$112 Large cooperative bank in Germany to set up microfinance system in RP Filipino firm to invest P751M in nickel mining, processing Food exporters push for duty-free import of agri equipment, inputs Government lifts import quota on rice, corn Austria eyes increased trade, investments in RP, particularly in CDM France to hire Filipino nurses and infotech professionals Taiwan firms invested $782.3M in RP last year, Meco reports GMA: Rice production to rise 7% in ’08 March 2008 BIR alerts companies, experts to tax deadline, new guidelines Electronics sector plans crisis strategy Gaps in government economic data cited Oil E-VAT lifting pushed as pump prices rise again NGO: Social costs outweigh economic benefits of Laiban Dam project NFA to review budget allocation for rice imports Power supply this summer in Luzon stable–Napocor Earth Hour: Lights out in Makati for 1 hr on Saturday Pork prices expected to increase owing to high costs of feeds Companies’ infrastructure loans may be guaranteed More funds for ‘green’ transportation Organic farming expected to assist in poverty reduction Agency to revise tax-holiday plan Fewer rice plantations reduce inventories Leather production boosts manufacturing output Marriott may put up high-end Iloilo hotel More investors set sights outside NCR, says group RP, Vietnam ink rice-supply deal; imports seen at P59B Franchise Group Launches Book Bigger Naia departure area DOE assures public over fuel Lack of skilled labor hampers growth Jobless rate falls, yet ‘fails to impress’ AFFI MEMBERS SPEAK IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP & FRANCHISING SEMINAR AT PWU Franchise Group Launches Book Sugar producers seek role in fighting smuggling BINALOT'S DAHON PROGRAM WINS IN THE 43RD ANVIL AWARDS ADB, Japan grant $1M to insure RP poor RP eyes possible reduction Tell the truth about rice situation–farmers Prices of oil products up 50 centavos Bottled predatory mites prove useful PAL inaugurates flight to Chongqing RP prods donors on more grants, loans for microfinance programs, farm infra Manila to lobby for less stringent rules on fish products Cost hike for power projects get approval Department launches cold storage depot Body urges businesses to invest in Subic-Clark growth corridor Exports rise in January despite US slowdown Cebu to wrap up investment road show with exhibit PCCI looking forward to improved RP tourism business to boost economy RP moves closer to achieving status of ‘mining country’ First Autogas offers LPG-fueled taxis to Davao City’s livelihood project Cacao development center rising in Davao RP improves rankings in Travel, Tourism Competitiveness Index, but trails others Farms exports up 13.8% to $3.63B in Jan.-Nov. ’07 Palace to issue EO for 8,600 duty-free S. Korea goods RP urged to plant cocoa as demand rises BINALOT FORMALLY LAUNCHES FOUNDATION DURING ITS FIRST FRANCHISEES CONVENTION RP signs $55-M biofuel deals with US firms Austria sets sights on Southeast Asia Hong Kong Express inaugural flight arrives at Clark today Government lists products that can be saved from competing Chinese imports MidEast food supplier seeks new farms in South Seafood exporters rack up P260-M sales in Boston show February 2008 Government pushes off-season veggie production in idle lands DOE, PUP sign agreement to set up natural gas institute Through trial and error, couple puts up mango-processing business Albay planting 15 million coconut trees till 2010 Flour millers seek price buffer Fisheries yield in Q1 may grow 8-10% GMA signs law extending use of ACEF, assures P2B for Mindanao Tsuneishi’s Cebu shipyard to build bigger vessels Cebu’s BPO sector to create 50,000 new jobs WESM Visayas ready to operate; PEMC waiting for DOE nod Mining investments seen to grow 20% to $1.68B in ’08 DA targeting planting 350,000 has. to corn in ’08 Cuba under new leader seeks bilateral ties with RP Bill to turn Cebu into special ecozone; MEASURE HURDLES ONE HOUSE COMMITTEE; TWO MORE TO GO DOF can live with P951-M revenue loss from tax break DOF studies flour price trigger Government propagates flood-tolerant rice to prepare for climate change Kepco urges Veco, affiliated companies to be ‘reasonable’ in their power pricing P11-B Bulacan Bulk Water project may soon get green light to proceed PSE urges Congress to pass tax perks for OFW investors Dubai company starts survey for $250-M Subic devt project Zero tariff set on 80% of farm, industrial goods RP-made Intel processor powers newly launched MacBook Air Oil E-vat lifting scheme ready; oil imports to be centralized Albay assured of cheap power from geothermal project Baguio blooms in February with flower festival Banana growers welcome TRO vs ban on aerial spray Vegetable exporters pin hopes on Jpepa approval DOF targets ecozones’ import data Power rates in Peza zones reduced by 20 centavos per kilowatt-hour Davao-based businesses gear up for rough times in ’08 Dornier to make planes in Clark RP targets 10-percent increase in agro-fishery exports for 2008 DOT targets visitors from Europe, India One-stop shop for housing BSP gives banks perks for housing micro loans Construction of coal-fired plant in Cebu starts Canadian development agency supports Tawi-Tawi seaweed industry RP urged to take lead in GM crop growing China still keen on funding RP projects despite NBN controversy DA opens Zambo Norte corn postharvest, trading center Cebu furniture exporters see hope in new markets Oil firms assure customers of stable supply ‘Price war’ threatens RP banana industry in Mindanao amid strengthening peso Local farm products bear brunt of nontariff barriers Subic eyes $7.5-B yearly investment until 2010 PIDS urges government to encourage entrepreneurship among OFWs RP approves Monsanto’s new soybean technology Iran hiking oil exports to help boost RP supply Export growth slower at 6.05% Feed producer sees higher sales Sugar firm gets loan to compete against imports Davao region notches P9.18-B investments in hydro power, steel More protected areas declared to conserve biodiversity RP economy has reached new level of maturity, says GMA BINALOT OPENS ITS 35TH BRANCH WITH A BOODLE FIGHT Exporter plans public offering PNOC-EDC set to implement P6.6-B geothermal exploration project in Albay Longer tariff protection for sugar urged Cebu to host world tourism conference in October Steel Corp. confident of hitting 26.5% growth in sales this year Canadian province eyes RP as source of skilled workers Bigger fisheries yield in Mindanao eyed to boost growth of sector Oil companies slash price of oil products VAT refund, open access top summit 7.3# GDP growth highest in 31 yrs Pana’s thrust: Foster partnership within the ad industry Getting big bangs for small bucks : BINALOT REDEFINES THE CONCEPT OF QSR DOF proposes to use VAT from oil for social services Agri exports from Jan.-Nov. ’07 up 26.96% BINALOT FORMALLY LAUNCHES FOUNDATION DURING ITS FIRST FRANCHISEES CONVENTION January 2008 Israel eyes more trade, investments in Manila GMA urges UAE businessmen to invest in RP DOT assures enough airline seats from US to RP despite downgrade The Business of Consumers - Filing complaints with proper agencies speeds up resolution Cebu to develop north of province into tourist attraction Clark investments rise 400% last year Subic Freeport’s cumulative investments reach $5.43B Government to start mobilizing this year for rehab work on Bicol River Basin Port of Cebu confident import volume to increase this year Converted irrigated farmlands alarm DA; survey to be done Energy summit in Davao to assess power crisis DOST Bicol Office backs production of kamias and panocha candies Agro firm develops new variety of honey lemon Wellex returns to mining, oil exploration Shanghai bizmen keen on investing in RP GMA orders DA to put up more ‘Bagsakan’ terminals DAR chief discloses studies Spa and wellness industry in Cebu sees a boom in ’08 $100/barrel oil puts rates at risk GSIS to provide more services, benefits for its members EDC starts work this week on crafting of 3-year export development plan RP has most optimistic bizmen for 2008 DA eyes 5% to 6% growth in rice production in ’08 Government, tourism industry players urged to create festivities, attractions in Davao Government to focus its investment road shows in Southeast Asia Government asked to diversify agri development program Peso rises to highest in almost 8 years CDC executive cites expansion being undertaken by Fontana Manila-Cavite toll expressway construction gets incentives December 2007 Construction, tourism boost Central Visayas’s economy Zubiri seeks return of VAT exemption of fuel, electricity Food exporters seek relief from strong peso Davao growth region signs financing deal with UK firm Korean agency to prepare master plan for DMIA 14 Taiwanese companies looking for gravel and sand supply in Luzon Prices of processed goods, agri products stable All systems go for Bulacan bulk water-supply project RP targeting long-stay tourists, baby boomers New Panglao airport in Bohol to boost regional tourism, ‘balikbayan’ market Philexim to guarantee P600-M projects Exports surge by 10.5% in October Italy to hire 5,000 Pinoy workers Ex-Tourism chief says home-stay tourism a new business option DA, Basque government ink fisheries pact Aboitiz to put up 300-MW Subic coal plant DOTC signs consultancy contract with Asco to improve RP aviation industry RP delegation meets French, British investors DA, Spanish firm ink $200-M biofuels pact; more deals eyed Spanish firm eyes $200-M investment in biofuel industry Medical-tourism boom triggers investments in Subic November 2007 Davao-based Sagrex Foods begins shipment of frozen bananas to Saudi Arabia RP, Japan to sign 2 projects under yen loan after 4-year hiatus Agri official says ‘biotech’ key to country’s survival in hard times SBIP expansion attracting more Taiwanese investors, exporters Sugar producers, DA agree to peg sugar retail at P36-P38 Proposed ‘blue card’ will open EU to RP highly skilled workers Businessmen’s confidence boosted anew Guam prefers Filipinos for construction boom US firm to partner with local HMO to target overseas Pinoys RP taps $40-B medical tourism industry GMA signs EO expanding area of Subic Bay Free Port Lucio Tan to expand soft-drinks business in South RP medical hardware still trails Thailand RP urged to focus on multilateral trade despite poor performance Subic gains $1.45B in new investments UA&P agriculture expert sees Q3 farm growth at 3-4% RP becoming Asia’s flight-training capital, says aviation-school exec IMF coming soon, no longer as prying creditor but as guest Peso gain spells P4-B ’08 savings Pinoy fastfood chain wins International Centennial Prize RP endorses 43 applications for individual technical cooperation from Japanese government Construction suppliers eye business in Dubai October 2007 Plant genetic resources conservation plan for RP to be developed 15 firms need 725,300 has. of land to plant biofuel crops Kepco to start building 200-MW Naga coal-fired power plant before year-end Bizmen want Clark as aviation, tourism hub CHED pushes P550-M call-center project Zambo is PNB regional credit center Filipino employees’ compensation up by 3.4% in Q2 First Philippine Oceanarium to open in December Southeast Asia’s SMBs lure technology giants Government agencies allowed to incur more loans to pay for projects’ cost overruns Microlending ‘sexy’ again, P74B lent out in 5 years, says DOF Semicons exceed $1-B investments Team set up to support exporters BIMP local government execs want direct trade powers Subic: From bog of mud to building complexes Strong peso helps cushion impact of high world oil prices RP-China land deals may proceed in 2008 Peso climbs to 7-year high Bank tells SMEs to use online tools Galoc oil field development to start Palay production to rise 5% despite Luzon dry spell Angara seeks extension of agriculture fund Senate okays cheaper-meds bill, 5 more measures lined up Peso rises to strongest in two months DA reports farm exports to New Zealand in June rise 23% Subic Freeport work force rises to more than 70,000 SBMA sets sights on convention, exhibition market RP to seek more Chinese investments in biofuel, grains production RP firm to build high-end hotel, resort complex on Samal island September 2007 Plantersbank CEO urges "SME Enablement" at APEC SME Summit Scientists develop flood-tolerant biotech rice Producers agree to help government monitor sugar smuggling Farmers fear effects of RP-China agreements Exporters urged to make use of export promo fund Malaysian herbal firm eyes RP migrant workers as investors RP exports, imports to benefit from Asian growth, says ADB GMA to bring RP drugstore owners to India ADB revises growth projections for RP economy to 6.6% MAKULAY ANG BUHAY SA SARI-SARING KULAY Arroyo OK’s entry of factories around geothermal power plants Real-estate industry eyes more foreign buyers July export earnings rose 4.5% on brisk electronics shipments RP leads China, nears India in info technology strength Government intensifies R&D on several agri crops St. Scho bags Entrepreyouth Challenge grand prize Clark workers now more than 51,000 ‘Fruit of Hope’ program launched in Sulu Imbalanced sheets litter corporate world Illegal use of buses in port Poor quality of medical transcription work cited GMA issues order on funding strategy to upgrade exports Neda OK’s more than $291M worth of new projects Coco exports for July up 18.8% US encourages RP companies to invest in Pacific territories More Russians want to come to RP Experts: Liberalize drug trade Flying to Apec, GMA touts GDP growth, worries about rice woes BINALOT opens it's first LQ2 (Low Capex, Quick Return, Quick Set-up) store Delayed infrastructure projects dampen RP tourism potentials Subic port eyes more maritime trade in Asia-Pacific Region BIR exceeds Aug. goal per preliminary data Customs targets oil giants next Businessmen urged to invest in mining, mariculture Asian economies seen to remain resilient despite US subprime mortgage problem Business’s plea: cut power cost PCCI: tax amnesty better way to hike revenue RP firms setting up chamber in Vietnam GIR, BOP surplus seen much higher BAT will be heard on tax rate dispute August 2007 General wholesale price index slows to 1% in June Sugar yield for 2007-’08 to grow by 7%, says SRA Make it last, GMA tells officials; chides skeptics ‘Unsustainable, creates wrong kinds of jobs’ GDP surges to 7.5% in 2nd qtr Government buying policy on IT needs to be understood Farmers benefit from access to agricultural technologies Better prospects for Mindanao business LTFRB meter plan upheld Lawyers unite on climate change Tourist traffic prompts air pact plan with India RP business forms think tank Deceleration of exports to stall growth WB: Rice self-sufficiency policy widens income gaps SMEs find key partner in new packaging research center Boracay Resort Invites Investors Chicken import volume set today Now, OFWs may file home loans at Naia Book trader building Pinoy online encyclopedia RP enjoys edge in $40-B medical tourism Kidapawan in need of fruit-processing plants What infra binge, social payback? State underspent COPW urges early action to forestall power shortage RP to produce more fruits, veggies in ’07 despite drought Renewable energy bill filed in House GMA to grace $1-B TI facility groundbreaking WB fund pays poor to let children study Pagasa’s gospel of hope: Luzon dry spell over Senate checks legal flaws in Jpepa Takenaka agrees to finish its work at Naia-3 Filipino emigrants to New Zealand rise 5 times Metro wage hike takes effect Aug. 28 RP businessmen eye investing in real estate, retail in Vietnam PPA to collect ‘drastically cut’ wharfage, but won’t suspend it Exporters told: Try selling here Water level at multipurpose dams nearing comfort level 50 RP businessmen to join business mission to Vietnam in end-August DA to tap WB funds for market-oriented services project PSE using reporting code to crack whip on miners GMA allies file bills in both chambers to amend Epira Car investments to reach P100B Luzon island fair at SM Megatrade Mall features best products from communities Intensive consultations pushed before WTO talks DA bats for ACEF extension, review of Agri-Agra law in 14th Congress 4 retirement havens to rise in north Luzon Business split on P12 hike; labor to appeal RP exporters lie low in global trade fairs 2 slots open for WB-funded infrastructure projects Bulacan holds lechon festival to show safety of pork meat Asean meet discusses faster removal of NTBs Dry spell prompts lower target Metro wage board OKs P12 hike Asean, dialogue partners discuss terrorism Weaving provides job to housewives in Aklan EU prods Asean on regional integration goal by 2015 Neda echoes First World status dream RP delegation on Ho Chi Minh City mission to learn Vietnam’s success story Steady power supply seen more important Cement giants deny suspicion of bloating their financial charges P664-M DA funds for drought mitigation IMF: growth in peril from poor tax efficiency July 2007 GDP to slow down to 5.8% in ’07–ADB Luzon grid back to normal, but power plants’ fuel short Container scanning fees cut 80% RP private firms urged to push CSR programs Napocor assures end to brownouts in Luzon Cigarette firms buy P909-M local tobacco from local farmers in H1 DOH wants cigar billboard ads dismantled Philexim unveils latest P150-M lending scheme Two long weekends in August as result of holiday law Internal controls vs fraud still bug many firms–E&Y survey Not a drop of formalin or we ban product, DOH tells food makers Bakers seek to avoid price spikes on rising global costs Volume of production down 7.1% in May Investments in agri, tourism, construction boost Region 2 Veggie growers slam road-tax collection Exporters must pay old, higher port fees starting Monday UN raises food-safety alert State of the Nation in 2010: GMA’s vision Businessmen give Sona mixed reviews DA bats for bill creating RP trade rep office Businessmen await GMA’s policy statements 8% growth in fisheries seen not sustainable Reforms in textbook procurement cut price by half, says Lapus Exporters now coping with strong peso Experts: It’s poor governance, stupid New Subic container terminal opens Businessmen highlight the role of innovation to boost growth Power law reform sought Spain extends P500M in grants to DA Labor productivity increases by 4.4% in 2006 UK companies expanding investments in RP–Espiritu BFAD bans China’s White Rabbit candy over formalin Competitiveness menu bared Government seen to buy MRT-3 from MRTC IMF visit tied to fiscal woes DA says no ban in place on RP foods to China Clark plans to build central business district at freeport It’s science and math, stupid Greenpeace survey : More electronic companies going green BIR poises tax compliance checks Exports grow 6.1% in May RP food exporters get accreditation of US defense commissary agency Veep, DOJ lead task force vs property scammers WESM stumped on next move as ERC clears Psalm Fida targets abaca exports worth $100M this year MMDA targets demolition of obstructions Disease-ravaged Chinese farms look to RP for hogs 18 groups to join 3rd round of bidding for Calaca plant Higher growth eyed in 2008 Higher growth eyed in 2008 Power rates to drop this July, says Napocor Fiscal perks, tax break top 19 priority bills Revenue from telco services seen to grow 11% in 5 years Rice self-sufficiency by 2010 comes at a price: P20B Apec plans to fuse 24 free-trade deals Higher steel tariff favors GSPI but will hurt local galvanizers Small, medium franchisers' sale seen higher at P13.8B Coming soon in Makati: electric Jeepneys Higher steel tariff favors GSPI but will hurt local galvanizers ‘VAT law never spoke of toll fees’ June 2007 Exporters eye okay of 3 international accords Tepco open to assist government in nuclear review WB approves $62-M loan, grants for 2 projects in water pollution, environment June inflation seen higher on school costs New loans hike debt to $54B Semiconductor, electronics makers stick to 10% export growth target P&A survey: brain drain worries 43% of firms Developing countries in Apec cool to free-trade deal in Pacific Rim Most labels silent on food nutritional value Poll: Philippine imports up 4.17% yr/yr in April Business, key catalyst in slowing global warming Aspiring franchisees warned vs scammers Group warns of RP’s dwindling fish catch Unicef hails RP move to recall Wyeth milk It pays to be clean, RP business told Cory Aquino-led foundation to hike lending to microenterprises to P5B DA lifts temporary ban on import of meat and bone meal from NZ 2 NTC orders heavily in favor of consumers Security fees reviewed, but collection will go on Milk makers insist government must not ‘curtail’ mothers’ right to choose RP trading costs too high–WB ICT businesses want telecom firms to cut broadband connection charges Local auto parts makers roll out prototype PhUV DA eyes removal of NFA trade function Automotive sales for May up 14% DA seeks P31.7-B budget for 2008 to raise farm growth to 8% Steady rise in diesel worries jeep groups Private standards stymie small producers; UN studies impact Parts makers, UV assemblers to get incentives PS-marked parts for PhUV; unveiling announced $1-B dam to rise in Tanay to boost Metro water, power Poll: consumer confidence still up Small exporters see P1.5-B losses RP eyes other markets for export of fresh coconuts New power plant to turn garbage into electricity Tariff body to decide on drive to cut imported cement duty Peso’s rapid rise concerns BSP chief Consumer prices surge Hackers work hard for the money, not glory WB executive says challenge now is how RP can sustain growth Better technical assistance pushed in Apec Attaining rice self-sufficiency no pipe dream Carmakers see sales finally breaking through 100,000-unit barrier in 2007 RP down 8 rungs in survey on technology use Foreign firms need 20,000 workers Agreement expected to produce more seafarers Remittance through franchising RP stocks rise to record Price for rice self-sufficiency is P6.5B–DA Cheap drugs, customs bills up Economy posts 6.9% Q1 growth May 2007 DOT-COM CRASH VERSION 2.0 BOC wants biz to admit ‘honest mistakes’ in declaration RP growth seen fastest in 3 quarters PCCI will lobby only for 3 economic bills 88 private tertiary schools raise tuition Businessmen say opposition-ruled Senate good for balance PCCI says scanning fees will hurt them New Zealand milk processing in RP mulled Business seeks peso-trading band PAL completes e-ticketing 7 months earlier Below-par spas mushrooming; industry group warns of perils ‘Brace for a stronger peso’ RP lagging behind other countries in e-commerce Investments approved by BOI, Peza up 194% to P73.33B in first 4 months Micro, small, medium enterprises from Visayas display wares in Boracay Oil prices seen to rise further this month No power rate increase, says Napocor UK-based firm partners with PNOC in $1.5-B jathropa refinery Rice import tariff set to be cut to 40 percent Low inflation, interest rates seen as factors in Q1 growth RP online ad revenue seen to trail neighbors in Asia NTC looking at reducing proposed P75 registration fee for cellphones Admin’s 5-point program to raise farm productivity Work on cheap-drugs bill resumes RP drug, healthcare market growth seen ‘unspectacular’ Milk producers cushion impact of high price of milk imports DTI aims to increase sales in international food expo Power sector to have open access, retail competition Pinoy household has more gadgets than Indians Skills mismatch alarms investors MVPMAP, PJODAF join forces for PUV Project Local power costs differ from other countries’ rates GMA to seek Japan’s technical support for SMEs in OTOP Study to seek information on profits of micro enterprises Crackdown on electronic scams School-supply makers, retailers: no price hikes Oil-based plants raise WESM prices in April Exports rise more than expected THE DOWNSIDE OF GROWTH Biotech expert questions ban on GMOs in Negros Occ. RP wants test on US rice before importation CO2 emissions just keep rising, endangering Earth, says WB BINALOT: A Small Firm With a Big Heart MVPMAP urges tightening of vehicle import controls Kasangga to push microentrepreneurship Tokyo urged to use clout in ADB to help poor countries RP bags $1-B TI business DOE asks oil companies to defer input of VAT in coco-biodiesel price Coco oil exports double in April Improving business climate with IPR is main goal, not just delisting Tax exemption law in June? English as a second language Farmers wary of old imported rice’s quality Economic gains do not filter down Napocor to bid out anew contract for coal supply for Pagbilao plant Bali meet discusses ways to fight illegal fishing Private role in infra still limited DOF can’t rule out new taxes April 2007 Govt preparing to set up special agriculture ecozones Bilateral trade agreements seen falling short of expectations Standard for corn pushed Inflation may reach 2.7%, GIR could be $1B higher Aboitiz gets control of Magat power plant P63-B deficit target stays Market’s bull run likely to last till 09 Consumers now prefer local brands Govt says 9M jobs available, but manpower quality an issue Palace says April 30 not a holiday; May 14 is TriNoma offers QC both Glorietta, Greenbelt Garbage crisis looms in Central Luzon DTI: hike in biz-name approvals signals progress Napocor denies fuel supply lack BIR exec says collection up on online payment BSP lays down terms for banks to lend to SMEs Water pollution threatens Bulacan prawn industry RP eyeing export of onions 23 investor groups keen on Masinloc power plant 5% target growth for farm sector for ’07 on track–DA Alaska, Nestlé agree on sale of canned milk Banks’ remittance levels up NFA to open more ‘Tindahan Natin’ outlets SIAP urges DA to complain vs. China’s tariff on seaweed Microfinance study scores government foray All set for tax deadline; Buñag bullish on goal RP may start pork export to Singapore by June Only 1 in 10 Pinoys sees huge improvement in quality of life RP, Asian economies to ‘stay resilient’ Exporters seek power perks The Real Thing EAGA maps out 2007 development action plan on transport, infra, ICT Despite shortfalls, DA assures food security Export revenues growth slower at $3.69B US allows RP mangoes to enter Guam, Hawaii; Guimaras mangoes in US mainland Lack of population program to affect fishery sector TUCP to file P75 wage-hike petition Big firms, grains group back drive vs hunger RP’s trade in services urged to be included in gov’t export strategy Biz leaders to put up technical, vocational schools Moratorium on chicken imports sought Meralco asks ERC for P1.73/kWh rate hike UN sees RP food shortfalls in ’07 F.A.O.: PHILIPPINES, IRAQ FACING AN 'EXCEPTIONAL' LACK OWING TO DISASTERS, CROP FAILURES Grant Thorton's Int'l Business Report: A firm indication of RP's growing political and economic security Davao mango growers firm up direct export plans with China DA to expand biotech network to help reduce rural poverty DOH defends RP health outlay Greenpeace: 16 RP regions vulnerable to climate change 3 big-ticket investments to lead way WB commits $500M in loans for 2008, 2009 Soon, no long lines for MRT cards What about domestic investments? Japan business not writing off RP; JETRO DEEMS MANILA A COMPETITIVE SITE DESPITE ISSUES OF LABOR, TELCOS, POWER, TAXES March 2007 BIR sets up income tax filing centers, prods early filers RP is 8th on list of countries with super-growth companies Vegetable growers push for truck-ban exemption Mango exports to US to rise to 250 MT IC: Insurance sector must deal with wider range of risks Ayala Center transformed, yet again Competition, poor education to trim BPO jobs A dangerous numbers game ; "HOW THE WTO NEGOTIATIONS THREATEN PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND INDUSTRIES" RP eyes $186-M export market for ornamental fish TXTPower to launch online price watch on telcos’ services RP business’ IT spending may hit P28.42B, says research firm Oil companies hike gas prices anew PGMA launches 'Go Negosyo' book PGMA: Investment boom sign of renewed confidence in RP RP: One of the best values for money in Asia for investors -- PGMA SO, WHO'S SCARED OF GMOs? The power of advertising P26-B cyber ed scheme approved Only 36% of grads ready for college DA launches P9-M fruit, veggie processing plant in Benguet BOI OKs perks for Biofuels 88’s ethanol project P300-M domestic airport to rise in southern tip of Luzon Foreign chambers want open skies policy in Clark Asian countries importing RP highland crops, says executive RP agrees to draft international pact to combat illegal fishing With SC lifting of Pasig TRO, e-Passport project set in Sept. Wide range of biofuel options, but which ones are the best? Milk products’ prices seen to rise ERC urges Napocor to apply for rate reduction to reflect forex gains RP, Japan to sign ¥300-M commodity grant to raise farmers’ productivity NTC to clear new Globe text promo Exporters get mixed bag of relief (D.A., P.I.T.C. Scrap fees but P.P.A. still imposes wharfage) Coffee exports rise to $5.41M in 2006 Farm production, tourism boost Davao region's economy Women entrepreneurs start young Taiwan government to invest in large-scale production of South Sea pearl Local traders earn $14.9M from UAE selling mission Russian trade mission looks for RP investments VCO exports rise as foreign docs tout it Investment incentives to make up for RP’s shortcomings EU gives RP tuna facilities passing mark February 2007 Naia 3 ready for full-blown commercial ops in 6 mos. Market Masters confab set on March 21 GMA’s 5-point strat for next wave of reforms And now, it’s ‘-8-9’ GDP growth PMA awards budding marketing professionals through Agora Youth Minor issues left to resolve to open EU market to RP canned tuna Make 2007 the year of the piggy bank DOT to give additional seats to foreign airlines to meet target of 5M tourists COPW: oil prices to stay steady Uk companies outsourcing some of their services to RP by: Estrella Torres SME bill hangs in Senate RP stocks drop on profit-taking by: IAN C. SAYSON, Bloomberg PNOC-EDC signs 2nd Carbon finance deal with WB Forging RP-US free trade pact in near future dims by: Max V. De Leon PGMA cites strong economic partnership between Singapore and RP Senate urged to pass SME bill during special session Davao gets P200-M new investments Negotiating lessons via the Internet Businessmen from China's eastern region express intent to invest in RP January 2007 Palace backs House move to hold P125 wage increase PGMA hails efforts to harness potentials of sweet sorghum as alternative fuel source ASEAN economic ministers discuss FTA PGMA to push for the establishment of a truly compassionate ASEAN Success of ASEAN Summit in Cebu City assured Health insurance, low-priced medicines cornerstone of gov't pro-poor program December 2006 Japan's assurance on JPEPA should dispel allegations of "planned" toxic waste dumping in RP PGMA supports Japan's leadership on UNSC Resolution on Pyongyang nuke issue Jan. 10-14, 2007 new dates for Cebu Summits Palace urges critics not to politicize postponement of 12th ASEAN Summit Mirant assets sale another proof of investors' confidence in RP November 2006 Cebu economy gets big boost because of ASEAN Summit PGMA to TESDA: Focus on 3 in-demand courses Regional Chinese Business Chamber picks RP as venue of 2009 convention Ready for 12th ASEAN Summit APEC leaders bat for immediate resumption of World Trade talks APEC leaders press resumption of world trade negotiations RP-US free trade arrangement in the works Singaporean businessmen eye new investments in RP President cites bright economic, security prospects for RP & entire East Asia | 
