THE Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) has advised local exporters to utilize the preferential access given by the European Union (EU) to Philippine-made lifestyle products.
“We should take advantage of the EU’s grant of a GSP+ status to the Philippines,” said Citem Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos in a press statement, referring to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) exempting the country from duties on its exports to the region.
The Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country to be accorded the GSP+ status by the EU, whose furniture imports alone from outside the region have almost doubled, from €5.3 billion in 2003 to €10.1 billion in 2012, according to a report submitted to the European Commission by the Centre for European Policy Studies in November 2014 and published online recently.
Meanwhile, Gaetos said the forthcoming Manila FAME exhibit indicates there are opportunities for the Philippines in lifestyle exports, placing the country’s industry at the crux of a landmark change in global consumption. She said the trend is the motivating factor for Citem to turn the event into a key marketing strategy when it hosts the 61st Manila FAME at the SMX Convention Center from March 13 to 16.
Manila FAME 2015 features Philippine-made furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts, décor and fashion accessories for the global market, according to Citem, the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Citem founded Manila FAME as a global platform for locally made products to make it into the export market. Over the span of 32 years, Manila FAME also yielded several success stories of Philippine exporters making it big in the international market; the number of which continues to grow.