We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
‘High-level’ US trade mission to arrive in PH next week
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry announced that a “high-level” US trade delegation is arriving next week to enhance “commercially meaningful partnerships.” According to DTI Foreign Trade Service Officer Jollan Llaneza, the delegation, led by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
No water interruption until May, MWSS reiterates
The water level in Angat Dam has continued to recede, but is enough to ensure an uninterrupted supply in Metro Manila and nearby provinces until May, according to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage and System......»»
Historically low valuation
The Philippine stock market bloodbath over the past two years saw the PSEi plummet from 7,122.6 on the last trading day of 2021 to 6,566.4 on the last trading day of 2022 for a 7.8 percent annual retreat and slide even further in 2023 to close at 6,450.0 on the last trading day of the year. In terms of valuation, the PSEi’s 2023 year-end 12.9x price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio does not fare well when compared against its past performance in prior years......»»
First Metro thinks PSEi could hit 7,500 this year
First Metro Investment Corp head of research, Cristina Ulang, said that the PSEi could rise to as high as 7,500 this year......»»
Trade Minister heads to Abu Dhabi for key WTO negotiations
Trade Minister Todd McClay travels to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) today, to take up his role as Vice Chair of the negotiations.The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body within the WTO and meets every two years. Trade ministers will negotiate the reform of agriculture trade rules, E-commerce, fisheries subsidi.....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
Biden s top-level execs ready for trade, investment mission in Philippines
US President Joe Biden has assembled a high-level US trade and investment mission set to arrive in the Philippines next week to explore business opportunities in the country......»»
PSEi forecast to touch 7,000
The Philippine Stock Exchange index is set for recovery as it is expected to hit 7,000 to 7,500 by the fourth quarter of this year, according to First Metro Investment Corp......»»
EDITORIAL - Foreign trade barriers
Instead of declaring war on pollster Pulse Asia over its latest survey showing 88 percent of Filipinos opposing Charter change, congressmen can read the report of the office of the US Trade Representative, which details foreign trade barriers in 59 markets including the Philippines......»»
Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand's concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. "The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New Zealand and the United Ki.....»»
Economic worries weigh down PSEi
Share prices continued to correct, finishing in negative territory anew yesterday on concerns over economic growth prospects here and in China......»»
Philippines total external trade up 9.7 pct in February
MANILA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' total external trade in goods increased by 9.7 percent in February to 15.46 billion U.S. dollars, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday. Of the total external trade in February, 61.8 percent were imported goods, while the rest were exported goods, the agency said. The PSA said the deficit of trade in goods amounted to 3.65 billion dollars,.....»»
Philippines, EU resume free trade agreement talks
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday. "Strengthening economic engagement with the EU remains a priority for the Philippines," said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, adding that the Philippines aims for an ambitious, b.....»»
Philippines external trade drops 2.1 pct in January
MANILA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' total external trade in goods declined 2.1 percent year-on-year in January to 16.09 billion U.S. dollars, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday. Of the total external trade in January, 63.1 percent were imported goods, while the rest were exported goods, the agency said. The PSA said trade deficit in January amounted to 4.22 billion dollars.....»»
NZ - UAE trade agreement consultation begins
Following a meeting with UAE Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, Trade Minister Todd McClay has launched public consultation for a trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "The UAE is a top-20 export market for New Zealand, and our largest market in the Middle East, with exports increasing 17% i.....»»
NZ welcomes Australia and Brazil to agreements
New Zealand has welcomed Australia to the Inclusive Trade Action Group (ITAG) and Australia and Brazil to the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA) Minister for Trade Todd McClay says. As the current chair of ITAG and GTAGA, Minister McClay hosted the signing ceremony and issued the Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Sustainable and Inclusive Trade with fellow ITAG Ministers from Australi.....»»
Philippine calls for stronger action on climate change
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has called for stronger sustainable trade and development initiatives to address climate change during the second ministerial meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates......»»
PH OKs revised Asean free trade pacts with ANZ, Hong Kong
MANILA — The Philippines, a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), has agreed to amend two important free trade agreements to benefit investors, traders, and exporters. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Thursday that it signed the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade.....»»
UNCTAD raises alarm over global trade disruptions
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development is sounding the alarm about the increasing disruptions in global trade, attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions and the impact of climate change on vital trade routes around the world......»»