Globalization and International Trading (Import/Export)

[Ady001]

Let's see what they will do. Kaya nga if the US really decides to step-up to China, kakalabanin neto in many aspects e.g., population, military might, paramihan ng industriya.

[kenken94]

Originally Posted by Simple Dude

correction,... China has 2 billion people po hehe =)

It's just the same story if only a handful of this 2 Billion people are capable of spending money.

[hakz2007]

Consul calls for higher-value Philippine exports to Russia

CEBU CITY – Honorary Consul of Russia to the Visayas Armi Lopez Garcia has called on local companies to export higher-value products to Russia, saying Russians like Philippine fashion accessories “especially those with pearls and other souvenir items made of our own native materials.”

“When we had our exhibits there, Russians showed much appreciation of our fashion accessories,” said Garcia during the media launching of the second Philippine-Russian Business Forum and Exhibition last Thursday.

He expressed confidence that the economic ties between the Philippines and Russia will further develop, noting that Russia is the country’s largest trading partner in Eastern Europe.

Russia is the country’s 23rd trading partner with a total trade value of $389.736 million.

The country’s export to Russia increased by 15.21 percent reaching $39.086 million last year from $33.93 million recorded a year ago.

However, the balance of trade is heavily in favor of Russia as the country’s total imports increased by 90.09 percent from $131.67 million to $250.3 million.

This trade imbalance needs to be addressed, according to the Filipino organizers of the forum which is a joint undertaking of the Philippine-Russian Business Assembly, Embassy of the Russian Federation and the Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation.

“This situation poses a challenge for us to encourage the export of higher-value Philippine products to Russia to balance the trade between the two countries,” Garcia said.

Garcia said electronics, information and communications technology services, construction materials, food and beverages, automotive parts, sports footwear and travel bags, gold and silver jewelry, and twine and cordage products are some of the export products that can be promoted in Russia.

“Russia is considered a largely untapped market for the Philippines,” she said.

Moreover, Garcia stressed the high potential of Cebuano export products such as fashion accessories, furniture and gift, toys and accessories, which are slowly gaining popularity among Russians through the recent trade fairs and exhibits there.

The second Philippine-Russian Business Forum and Exhibition is slated from Oct. 21 to 24 at the Cebu International Conventional Center.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/272195...exports-russia

Coconut oil exports seen hitting $1B

MANILA, Philippines—The country’s exports of coconut products will likely hit a record high this year as global demand and prices of coconut oil and products soar, according to the Philippine Coconut Administration (PCA).

As of June this year, the volume of coconut exports jumped 128 percent to 1.23 million metric tons from 539,887 metric tons recorded in the same period in 2009, PCA administrator Oscar Garin said in a recent interview.

The rise in export volume translated to $728 million in export receipts, more than double the $348.9 million recorded in the first half of last year, Garin said.

PCA deputy administrator Antonio Liqueta said the agency expects coconut exports to keep growing at a fast clip until the end of the year.

“Last year was a recession year. The exports that were withheld are now coming out,” Liqueta explained, “There is an increased demand for coconut oil and other products and it is pulling up the prices.”

According to PCA data, copra exports in the first six months of year hit 91.20 metric tons, while copra meal exports reached 416,455.72 metric tons. In the first semester of 2009, copra meal exports were just at 151,657.46 metric tons.

The volume of coconut oil exports is also approaching a record high, Liqueta said.

Coconut oil exports hit 712,612.36 metric tons in the first half, a 158 percent rise from the 275,158.79 metric tons recorded in the same period last year.

The value of coconut oil exports in the first semester reached $560 million, a 183-percent surge from the $197.7 million recorded in the same period last year.

Liqueta said the PCA expects coconut oil export receipts to hit over a billion dollars by the end of 2010.

Activated carbon and coco chemicals exports, meanwhile, rose 50.39 percent and 54 percent, respectively.

While exports of major coconut products grew significantly in the first half, the PCA said exports of desiccated coconut and coco shell charcoal declined by 10 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/t...een-hitting-1B

[OtAkAw]

Originally Posted by Simple Dude

correction,... China has 2 billion people po hehe =)

Dude, 1.3 billion.

[Parchie]

Originally Posted by OtAkAw

Dude, 1.3 billion.

I agree. The CIA Factbook says China has 1,330,141,295 (July 2010 est.) while India is second at 1,173,108,018 (July 2010 est.).
@simple dude: What is your source?

[april boy]

BOI warns of delay in rules of new car devt program


Monday, 23 August 2010 00:00
By Ben Arnold O. De Vera Reporter
Manila Times

THE implementing guidelines of the new automotive program would be ready only next month, or well past the end-August deadline, as the Board of Investments (BOI) is awaiting inputs from a group of vehicle importers. Cristino Panlilio, BOI managing head, told reporters after meeting with the Alliance of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) on Friday that the group has been given two weeks to submit its position paper containing their recommendations for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Development Program (CMVDP) or Executive Order (EO) 877-A.

members may invest in auto assembly in the future.

AVID groups British United Automobiles Inc., CATS Motors Inc., Focus Ventures Inc., Hyundai Asia Resources Inc., PGA Cars Inc., The Covenant Car Company Inc., and United Asia Automotive Group Inc.

AVID earlier asked the government to repeal EO 877-A, alleging that they were not consulted about the new motor vehicle program, which they claimed would be discriminatory against certain imports.

The BOI had said that the CMVDP only covers automotive assemblers, so importers’ concerns on duties and taxes should be lodged before the Department of Finance.

As the BOI waits for AVID’s recommendations, Panlilio said the incentives-giving agency would be unable to finish the IRR on August 31.

He said public consultations on the IRR would be held early September.

“The implementing guidelines should be ready by September 30, assuming that we don’t have to go to Congress,” Panlilio said.

The BOI had said it would grant more generous incentives—especially to players that will export—which may require legislative approval.

Existing vehicle manufacturers in the country reiterated the need to approve the guidelines as soon as possible.

Benjamin Sevilla, Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. (Pacci) president, said “time remains the essence” in finalizing the IRR.

Pacci groups assemblers Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Honda Cars Philippines Inc., Isuzu Philippines Corp., Ford Group Philippines, and the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc.

“It is vital for the government to send a strong signal to auto makers that it remains committed to EO 877-A,” Sevilla said.

Sevilla said the CMVDP should be implemented in the soonest possible time so that the domestic auto industry could immediately tap benefits from automotive technology transfer, as well as jack up employment, investments, exports and local sourcing of vehicle parts.

Enrico Talag, head for government and industry affairs of Isuzu Philippines’ corporate business division, said their Japanese principals are now making “a lot of decisions,” and awaiting “what kind of support the government will offer” under the CMVDP.

“If the government can give us more incentives, we can convince our principal to keep operations here,” Talag told The Manila Times.

“We hope EO 877-A will be a catalyst to revitalize auto manufacturing in the Philippines,” he said.

Isuzu Philippines currently churns out in its Biñan, Laguna plant the Asian utility vehicle (AUV) Crosswind, D-Max pickups, F-series heavy trucks and N-Series light trucks.

Masahiko Ueki, Mitsubishi Philippines president, also last week told the Times that the company is waiting for the guidelines of EO 877-A.

“We expect the incentives [that would be provided under the IRR] to promote local manufacturing,” Ueki said, adding that they hope the guidelines will “protect [the industry] from illegal importation of used cars.”

Ueki said Mitsubishi Japan is choosing between the Philippines and Indonesia for its second export hub in Southeast Asia.

[amigo32]

Originally Posted by b_two

kakatuwa naman yan. export tayo ng saging, mangga sa japan tapos import tayo ng kotse, truck mula sa kanila.

malakas kumain ng saging ang mga dilaw na unggoy at ang mga brown na unggoy mahilig sumakay sa kotse

[Ady001]

Sana Piliin nila ang Pilipinas. I guess we have to boycott Ford if its the case.

[april boy]

Ukay-ukay’ shipment worth P12M confiscated

by Joel E. Zurbano
Manila Standard
August 25, 2010

CUSTOMS agents seized a shipment of used clothing, commonly known as “ukay-ukay,” worth P12 million at the Manila International Container Port in North Harbor, Manila.

Chief Supt. Jose Yuchongco, officer-in-charge of the Customs Enforcement and Security Service, said the contraband, shipped in four container vans, arrived from Hong Kong and India last month.

The shipment was declared as personal accessories.

“The shipment was seized since commercial importation of textile articles commonly known as used clothings and rags is banned,” Yuchongco said.

The cargo was consigned to Acab Enterprises and Vanguard Logistics Services.

Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez ordered Yuchongco to probe who are behind the shipment including Customs personnel who might have conspired with them.

The bureau will turn over the shipment to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, the Port of Manila posted a surplus collection in July despite the low volume of imports.

The port collected P4.87 billion for July or a surplus of P55 million as against its target of P4.81 billion for the period.

The bureau’s Financial Service reported that Manila registered the highest collection surplus of P5.86 billion, or 22 percent above its target, for the first seven months of the year.

[Juan Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by april boy

Ukay-ukay’ shipment worth P12M confiscated

Ukay-ukay is like a deadly virus to our economy. It will eventually paralyze
and kill our thriving garment manufacturing and retail industry.

Charities, government agencies or non-governental organizations who receive
these donations should distribute it as it is and should never be sold to
anyone even if proceeds will be used for non-profit or charitable causes.

You should not buy anything from the UKAY UKAY no matter how cheap it is or how much you like it.

[edu k tid]

Originally Posted by Juan Pilgrim

Ukay-ukay is like a deadly virus to our economy. It will eventually paralyze
and kill our thriving garment manufacturing and retail industry.

Charities, government agencies or non-governental organizations who receive
these donations should distribute it as it is and should never be sold to
anyone even if proceeds will be used for non-profit or charitable causes.

You should not buy anything from the UKAY UKAY no matter how cheap it is or how much you like it.

Is it all illegal?

[Juan Pilgrim]

mis-declaring it is illegal. it is tantamount to smuggling and tax evasion.

I hope our lawmakers will pass a bill making the sale of these donated goods ILLEGAL!





------------------------------
let us support Philippine brands and manufactured products/services!

[edu k tid]

Wow. PhP10-50 for clothing.

Ukay Ukay in Baguio City


Long before SM City Baguio was erected on Luneta Hill (where grand old Pines Hotel used to stand), office workers in Camp John Hay invited me one day to go to "SM!"

Knowing then that there was no such mall in the City of Pines, I went along and, to my surprise, they took me to a street behind the old Bayanihan Hotel where second hand clothes were for sale.
For that was what SM stood for in Baguio City in the early 1990s -- Segunda
Mano, a Spanish phrase meaning "second hand"), instead of the initials of a popular string of malls in the Philippines: SM, which was originally named Shoe Mart.

But not all the items for sale at our SM was used clothing: there were leather briefcases, and my companion was able to buy a 'Brand New With Tag' imported blouse from Hong Kong.

Then the locals started calling it the Wagwagan, which meant 'to shake' because they would shake the dust off used goods and then, finally, Ukay-ukay -- 'to dig,' because folks would dig into a pile of clothes for that hidden gem of a find!.

The ukay-ukay has grown from just clothing to bags, shoes and even curtains, blankets, comforters, office equipment, toys and sporting goods. Some shops now even sell brand new imitation goods of imported designer brands in the areas with ukay-ukay -- and just last year, there were several stores selling second hand Christmas trees and other decorations from the US!

Going to the Ukay-Ukay is considered 'slumming' for rich tourists looking for discarded Louis Vuitton bags from Hong Kong, Fendi jackets, Gucci scarves plus a host of othe designer brands, and a way of life for the frugal local residents.
Where & When to 'Ukay'
The cheapest and most exciting is really the one at Hilltop, behind the Baguio City Market. At 6:00 o'clock in the morning, at 12:00 noon, and finally at 6:00 o'clock in the late afternoon, hawkers will spread out the used clothing and bags by the road. These sell at about Php10.00 - Php50.00 each. A lot of office workers are able to assemble their wardrobes this way.

'Bayanihan' is a pretty old hotel building to the northwest of Burnham Park that has found a new lease on life as the site of the cheapest ukay-ukay stalls. Navigating the maze of stores on different levels isn't easy, but the prices here are much lower than those found on Session Road. Stalls here close at around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

"Skyworld' used to be one of Baguio's 'pre-earthquake' shopping centers with a prime location at the corner of Session Road and Calderon Street. The shops here sell the best items -- and the sellers know their value -- so if you are looking for premium designer brands, this is the place to go, because they are still cheaper than the 'vintage' offerings on Ebay. Like in Bayanihan, stalls close by sunset.

Harrison Road and the side streets between it and Session Road have a many small shopping areas selling ukay-ukay, and what's interesting about these shops is that they sell not only apparel but toys, sporting goods, office stuff and novelty items as well.
Why is the Ukay-ukay more popular in Baguio City than elsewhere?

To keep prices low, stores like these do not provide aircondition-ing but Baguio City's cool air makes shopping al fresco more pleasant than in other ukay-ukay stalls in the Philippines.

Also, the selections are way better since there's a larger market here.

The wawagans cater not only to seasonal Baguio visitors but to the frugal residents, and hordes of students (half the city's population, actually) year-round, as well.


'Bargain Basement' Baguio
What used to be the city's little secret is now out in the open. Years ago, the used goods stores used to be tucked away in back alleys away from a tourist's eyes.

As it got popular with Baguio visitors, suddenly the city was littered with shops selling these items right on Session Road, Baguio's prime shopping area!

In fact, what used to be an empty lot (where Skyworld building stood before the devastating 1990 earthquake brought it down) came alive with a low-cost 3-storey structure that now houses a hundred or so 'ukay-ukay' stalls.

The former Session Theater has a popular restaurant in front and wagwagan at the back.

The 'Ukay' is something short of a phenomenon that has allowed the owners of abandoned, old or low-visibility commercial spaces to actually be able to earn rental income from the Ukay-ukay.


Because one of the fun things about the Ukay-ukay is finding a bargain in the most unlikely of places, sometimes in the hidden, lower levels of old buildings.

http://www.gobaguio.com/ukay-ukay-in-baguio.html

[monsy]

Export council eyes 10 percent growth in Cebu thru 3-yr plan
August 29, 2010, 1:59am

CEBU CITY (PNA) — The Export Development Council (EDC) has consulted Cebuano exporters on the drafting of the three-year Philippines Export Development Plan (PEDP) aimed at achieving a 10 percent export growth year-on-year.

The EDC, in coordination with the Bureau of Export Trade Promotions (BETP), is now preparing the PEDP 2011-2013, which will chart the strategies to increase the export revenue of the country, employment generation, and other economic activities as embodied in the Export Development Act. Both agencies are under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

BETP Director and EDC Executive Director Senen Pelada said the regional consultation last Wednesday was meant to gather feedback from exporters on the development of the three-year trade strategy roadmap for the export industry.

He said the planning will empower exporters as they can outline their opportunities, strategies and concerns.

The consultation on PEDP with the various exporters was held at the Cebu Grand Hotel Cebu was the council’s last stop of the regional consultation. The three-year trade strategy will be presented to Malacañang in October.

DTI special consultant Serafin Julaino said the export roadmap will also be one of the bases for the continued release of an export support fund from the government that will help finance efforts to promote Philippine products.

“But we will still contextualize this within the government’s fiscal policies,” he said, adding that the government is not just considering the revenues exporters will be generating but also the promotion of employment in the country.

Juliano said consultations with Cebu exporters will also help them revalidate forecasts of their respective industries.

“This will also allow us to determine whether the targets set are attainable,” Juliano said.

EDC targets more than 10 percent export growth year-on-year for the next three years, following the upbeat performance of the country’s merchandise exports. Exports in the first half of the year posted an increase of 137.7 percent to 3.71 billion dollars. This year’s export growth drivers are electronics and service sectors and some agricultural products, according to the National statistics Office (NSO).

[monsy]

Export council eyes 10 percent growth in Cebu thru 3-yr plan
August 29, 2010, 1:59am

CEBU CITY (PNA) — The Export Development Council (EDC) has consulted Cebuano exporters on the drafting of the three-year Philippines Export Development Plan (PEDP) aimed at achieving a 10 percent export growth year-on-year.

The EDC, in coordination with the Bureau of Export Trade Promotions (BETP), is now preparing the PEDP 2011-2013, which will chart the strategies to increase the export revenue of the country, employment generation, and other economic activities as embodied in the Export Development Act. Both agencies are under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

BETP Director and EDC Executive Director Senen Pelada said the regional consultation last Wednesday was meant to gather feedback from exporters on the development of the three-year trade strategy roadmap for the export industry.

He said the planning will empower exporters as they can outline their opportunities, strategies and concerns.

The consultation on PEDP with the various exporters was held at the Cebu Grand Hotel Cebu was the council’s last stop of the regional consultation. The three-year trade strategy will be presented to Malacañang in October.

DTI special consultant Serafin Julaino said the export roadmap will also be one of the bases for the continued release of an export support fund from the government that will help finance efforts to promote Philippine products.

“But we will still contextualize this within the government’s fiscal policies,” he said, adding that the government is not just considering the revenues exporters will be generating but also the promotion of employment in the country.

Juliano said consultations with Cebu exporters will also help them revalidate forecasts of their respective industries.

“This will also allow us to determine whether the targets set are attainable,” Juliano said.

EDC targets more than 10 percent export growth year-on-year for the next three years, following the upbeat performance of the country’s merchandise exports. Exports in the first half of the year posted an increase of 137.7 percent to 3.71 billion dollars. This year’s export growth drivers are electronics and service sectors and some agricultural products, according to the National statistics Office (NSO).

[april boy]

Originally Posted by edu k tid

Wow. PhP10-50 for clothing.

Ukay Ukay in Baguio City


Long before SM City Baguio was erected on Luneta Hill (where grand old Pines Hotel used to stand), office workers in Camp John Hay invited me one day to go to "SM!"

Knowing then that there was no such mall in the City of Pines, I went along and, to my surprise, they took me to a street behind the old Bayanihan Hotel where second hand clothes were for sale.
For that was what SM stood for in Baguio City in the early 1990s -- Segunda
Mano, a Spanish phrase meaning "second hand"), instead of the initials of a popular string of malls in the Philippines: SM, which was originally named Shoe Mart.

But not all the items for sale at our SM was used clothing: there were leather briefcases, and my companion was able to buy a 'Brand New With Tag' imported blouse from Hong Kong.

Then the locals started calling it the Wagwagan, which meant 'to shake' because they would shake the dust off used goods and then, finally, Ukay-ukay -- 'to dig,' because folks would dig into a pile of clothes for that hidden gem of a find!.

The ukay-ukay has grown from just clothing to bags, shoes and even curtains, blankets, comforters, office equipment, toys and sporting goods. Some shops now even sell brand new imitation goods of imported designer brands in the areas with ukay-ukay -- and just last year, there were several stores selling second hand Christmas trees and other decorations from the US!

Going to the Ukay-Ukay is considered 'slumming' for rich tourists looking for discarded Louis Vuitton bags from Hong Kong, Fendi jackets, Gucci scarves plus a host of othe designer brands, and a way of life for the frugal local residents.
Where & When to 'Ukay'
The cheapest and most exciting is really the one at Hilltop, behind the Baguio City Market. At 6:00 o'clock in the morning, at 12:00 noon, and finally at 6:00 o'clock in the late afternoon, hawkers will spread out the used clothing and bags by the road. These sell at about Php10.00 - Php50.00 each. A lot of office workers are able to assemble their wardrobes this way.

'Bayanihan' is a pretty old hotel building to the northwest of Burnham Park that has found a new lease on life as the site of the cheapest ukay-ukay stalls. Navigating the maze of stores on different levels isn't easy, but the prices here are much lower than those found on Session Road. Stalls here close at around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

"Skyworld' used to be one of Baguio's 'pre-earthquake' shopping centers with a prime location at the corner of Session Road and Calderon Street. The shops here sell the best items -- and the sellers know their value -- so if you are looking for premium designer brands, this is the place to go, because they are still cheaper than the 'vintage' offerings on Ebay. Like in Bayanihan, stalls close by sunset.

Harrison Road and the side streets between it and Session Road have a many small shopping areas selling ukay-ukay, and what's interesting about these shops is that they sell not only apparel but toys, sporting goods, office stuff and novelty items as well.
Why is the Ukay-ukay more popular in Baguio City than elsewhere?

To keep prices low, stores like these do not provide aircondition-ing but Baguio City's cool air makes shopping al fresco more pleasant than in other ukay-ukay stalls in the Philippines.

Also, the selections are way better since there's a larger market here.

The wawagans cater not only to seasonal Baguio visitors but to the frugal residents, and hordes of students (half the city's population, actually) year-round, as well.


'Bargain Basement' Baguio
What used to be the city's little secret is now out in the open. Years ago, the used goods stores used to be tucked away in back alleys away from a tourist's eyes.

As it got popular with Baguio visitors, suddenly the city was littered with shops selling these items right on Session Road, Baguio's prime shopping area!

In fact, what used to be an empty lot (where Skyworld building stood before the devastating 1990 earthquake brought it down) came alive with a low-cost 3-storey structure that now houses a hundred or so 'ukay-ukay' stalls.

The former Session Theater has a popular restaurant in front and wagwagan at the back.

The 'Ukay' is something short of a phenomenon that has allowed the owners of abandoned, old or low-visibility commercial spaces to actually be able to earn rental income from the Ukay-ukay.


Because one of the fun things about the Ukay-ukay is finding a bargain in the most unlikely of places, sometimes in the hidden, lower levels of old buildings.

http://www.gobaguio.com/ukay-ukay-in-baguio.html

May this industry go away permanently.

Partly to blame for our very sick textile and garment industry.

[april boy]

Emerging markets present export opportunities

(The Philippine Star)
Updated August 29, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines
- While export prospects in many developed countries tend to sway from bleak to bleaker, those in emerging country markets are shining brighter than ever.

This is particularly true in four of the world’s largest emerging markets – Brazil, Russia, India and China - as well as the ASEAN markets, especially Indonesia and Vietnam.

Based on the preliminary research of Philexport News and Features using International Trade Center data, world imports expanded by 17 percent while imports of Brazil, Russia, India and China grew by 73 percent, 63 percent, 17 percent and 52 percent, respectively during period 2005-2009.

Meanwhile, ASEAN countries such as Vietnam (91 percent) and Indonesia (68 percent) also registered stupendous growth rates during the said period.

Much of the expansion in imports of these emerging market economies can be traced to products of export interest to the Philippines such as furniture, pearls, edible fruits, apparels and fish and crustaceans.

Articles of apparel and knitted fabric enjoy gargantuan demand in these markets. Brazil’s, Indonesia’s and Russia’s imports of articles of apparel more than tripled while those of Vietnam increased eleven-fold.

Demand of these emerging markets for knitted fabric was even higher. Imports of knitted fabric by Brazil and Indonesia registered an eight-fold and a ten-fold expansion, respectively.

In 2009, Brazil’s and Indonesia’s imports of crocheted fabric were valued at $338 million and $628 million, respectively.

Imported edible fruits are also in great demand in these markets. Vietnam’s imports of said product nearly tripled while it is expanding substantially in China, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia.

Russia and Indonesia are increasingly becoming important markets for pearls and precious stones with their imports of the same more than quadrupled. Demand prospects for imported pearls in China and Brazil appear to be also sanguine, with their imports growing by over 50 percent.

Adding to the array of products that are hugely demanded in emerging markets are furniture, fish and crustaceans. Furniture imports of China, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia rose by over 100 percent, while those of Vietnam more than tripled.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s imports of fish and crustaceans quadrupled while those of Vietnam and Brazil grew by over 100 percent. — Philexport News and Features

[april boy]

DTI eyes foreign consultants to help local fashion designers

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
(The Philippine Star)
Updated August 29, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking at helping local fashion designers compete in the international fashion scene by bringing in foreign consultants.

This, as independent British fashion consultant Maureen Tomaney facilitated the recently-concluded Fashion Definition Workshop. Tomaney is a research fellow in ethical issues and fair trade at Central Saint Martins in London, where she is involved in the creative side of the fashion industry as well as the advancement of sustainability in fashion and textiles.

“Fashion is not only about aesthetics, but most certainly also embracing the content. The designer’s role [becomes] more complex, being part of the effort of greening the fashion world,” said Tomaney, discussing an emerging sensibility for environmentally-sustainable fashion pieces before an audience of trailblazing fashion talents.

“Slow fashion will develop from being a diffuse buzzword to signifying quality in production and product; [for example], in working to turn artisan crafts into fashion – and into profit for the locals – and to producing long lasting clothing,” she added.

The workshop was organized in partnership with the British Council of the Philippines and the Garments and Textile Industry Development Office (GTIDO), and was part of a three-month Merchandise Design Consultancy Program (MDCP) geared towards the further improvement of existing fashion exports to meet current global market demands, particularly pieces crafted from indigenous fibers and materials.

Developing a Philippine brand that is globally competitive was key as Tomaney discussed local, regional and international fashion markets; forecasting trends in color, product and fabric; translating local skills into a sustainable market; and export facilitation and international value chain.

The fashion prototypes developed will be featured at the upcoming FASHIONation zone of the CITEM-led 52nd Manila F.A.M.E. International on Oct. 18-21. To be staged at three venues, namely: the World Trade Center, the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila F.A.M.E. is the country’s premier trade event for design-driven pieces.

In 2005, total export earnings from local fiber manufacturers reached $90.51 million, signifying rising demand for indigenous Philippine fibers like abaca (Manila hemp), piña (pineapple), and banana for their various uses and applications.

[bitoy]

wp

[Ephesus29]

Originally Posted by OtAkAw

Dude, 1.3 billion.

Yep, and India has already over 1 billion, and the US has 300 million.

.