Dole Packaged Foods Llc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dole Food Co., based in Westlake Village, California, has asked the United States government to allow unconcentrated pineapple juice shipped from the Philippines to enjoy duty-free status under the generalized system of preference (GSP).

On a list published by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) available on its web site, Dole Packaged Foods petitioned for the inclusion of unconcentrated pineapple juice (single strength, of a Brix value not exceeding 20), and unconcentrated pineapple juice (single strength, other than of a Brix value not exceeding 20), to enter the US market duty-free.

USTR has accepted for its 2008 annual review the possible inclusion of the two products in the GSP scheme.

Dole is considered the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh cut flowers with a growing line of quality packaged foods.

Its subsidiary in the Philippines Dole Packaged Foods-Philippines Inc., operates an integrated pineapple plantation, cannery and packaging complex in Polomolok in Mindanao.

The GSP subcommittee is set to conduct a public hearing on all product petitions accepted for the 2008 annual review in Washington, D.C., on October 20 this year.

Modifications to the list of articles eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP resulting from the 2008 annual review will be announced on June 30, 2009, and any changes will take effect on the effective date announced.

The GSP is a system used by developed countries such as the US to help poor countries improve their financial or economic condition through exports.

It provides for duty-free privileges for a wide range of products that would otherwise be subject to customs duty if imported into the US from non-GSP countries.

75,000-MT sugar shipment to US fast-tracked

THE Philippines is speeding up the shipment of some 75,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the United States before the end of the year under the so-called early export program, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.

Bids for DMIA Terminal 2 project to be opened Monday

CLARK FREE PORT, Pampanga—The opening of the bids for the development of the $142-million Terminal 2 for the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here is set to be opened on September 22, a top official of the Clark International Airport Corp. said Thursday.

Dole Food subsidiary petitions for duty-free status for RP pineapple juice

Dole Packaged Foods Llc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dole Food Co., based in Westlake Village, California, has asked the United States government to allow unconcentrated pineapple juice shipped from the Philippines to enjoy duty-free status under the generalized system of preference (GSP).

IFC signs loan deal with Aboitiz power company to rehab 2 hydroelectric plants

THE International Finance Corp. (IFC) of the World Bank said Thursday that it signed a loan agreement with SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet Inc. (SNAPB) to help rehabilitate two hydroelectric plants.

Regulating oil industry can pose serious consequences–Reyes

AMID clamor to repeal the oil-deregulation law, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes emphasized that repealing such a piece of legislation can cause undesirable consequences for both the consuming public and the government.

Cosmetics exhibit opens today at Megamall

Showcasing the country’s leading brands in cosmetics and personal-care products, a three-day cosmetics trade exhibit, called “Pilipinas, Ang Ganda Mo!,” opens today, at the SM Megatrade Hall 1, 5th level, Building B, Mandaluyong City.

DepEd, Palawan local execs welcome P1-M library from MacroAsia

MUNICIPAL leaders of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, and key officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) recently received a P1-million library building from MacroAsia Corp., the aviation services and mining arm of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies.