DTI sets launch of trade portal

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch the Philippine National Trade Repository (PNTR) this week in a bid to create a more transparent trade environment in the country.

The PNTR is a web-based portal that provides a single source of comprehensive, accurate and updated trade information on all trade related matters such as imports and exports.

“A more transparent trade environment will allow business easier access to information and facilitate their compliance with prescribed regulations,” the trade department said.

“The ultimate effect will be to reduce the amount of time and costs in trade transactions,” it added.

The establishment of the PNTR is an important component of the government’s trade facilitation strategy, according to the DTI.

In addition, the web-based portal is part of the Philippines’ commitment under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

PNTR secretariat head Luis Catibayan said the web-based portal is expected to benefit micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the regulations and procedures administered and enforced by various government agencies are made readily accessible thru the internet.

“The PNTR’s link to the ASEAN Trade Repository will allow MSMEs who are into exports to have accurate and updated information, including regulatory requirements for the movement of goods to and among ASEAN member states, thereby facilitating greater access to the ASEAN market,” Catibayan said.

He added the PNTR makes regulations transparent, which will contribute to the ease of doing business.

The DTI said the launching of the PNTR will be participated in by the Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGAs), representatives from the private sector and selected importers accredited by the Department of Agriculture.

Apart from the launching of the portal itself, a memorandum of agreement signing between the Tariff Commission and the DTIBureau of Import Services will also take place during the event.

It added the first three elements of the PNTR, the Tariff Nomenclature, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs and the Rules of Origin are linked to the Enhanced Philippine Tariff Finder (EPTF) of the Tariff Commission.