DTI inks deal on eCommerce with China

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on electronic commerce cooperation with the Chinese authorities, to create an enabling environment for the development and growth of eCommerce on the basis of mutual benefits.

According to DTI's official press statement released on 4 January, the MOU identified three areas of cooperation, including promoting trade of high-quality featured products and services; pursuing business exchanges between MSMEs and eCommerce platforms, start-ups, and logistics service providers; and sharing of best practices and innovative experiences in utilising eCommerce. 

The signing of the agreement was witnessed by president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as part of his three-day state visit. DTI’s secretary Fred Pascual expressed great optimism towards the MOU.

“This agreement will facilitate the sharing of experiences, best practices, critical information, and policies related to trade and eCommerce. We look forward to interventions that will promote consumer and merchant protection, intellectual property, data security, and privacy laws. This MOU will be beneficial in building the capacity of our local businesses to cope with the modernising business sector”,  Pascual said.

Further, the memorandum opens doors for possible collaboration between the Philippines and China in undertaking joint case studies and capacity building programmes to enhance the knowledge and skills of MSMEs and maximise the potentials of eCommerce. Research institutions, industrial organisations, and local governments are also encouraged to utilise eCommerce as a means to develop cooperation.

In pursuit of the initiatives listed in the MOU, a working group on electronic commerce will also be established to be the focal point of coordination and the main source of information.

“This will also operationalise Agenda #17 of the eCommerce Philippines 2022 Roadmap concerning the enhancement of cross-border cooperation and market access through trade agreements and economic cooperation programs with major eCommerce trading partners,” he added.

Separately, DTI has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) in December last year for expanding the global network for resolution and prevention of cross-border consumer disputes.

According to the official press statement, Korea Consumer Agency said the agreement is expected to facilitate settlement of consumer disputes arising from purchasing goods or using services from Philippine-based businesses.

Meanwhile, KCA’s president Jang Duck Jin said that “Korea Consumer Agency will continue to strengthen cooperative ties with overseas consumer protection agencies to facilitate resolution and prevention of cross-border consumer damage.

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