The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is studying the possibility of setting up a trade post in Africa next year. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the DTI wants to tap Africa as a new market for exports. The region offers opportunities for Philippine exports based on information provided to him by the agency’s commercial attache in the Middle East. The trade post would be deployed specifically in Africa which would depend on the market offering highest potential for the Philippines. At present, the Philippines does not have a trade post in any part of Africa and the region is part of the assignment of the commercial attache in the Middle East. Trade representatives or commercial attaches of the DTI deployed in different parts of the world are responsible for advancing the Philippines’ trade and investment interests through promotion efforts, conduct of market research for specific products, and providing information on issues which may affect trade negotiations and policy. Africa offers opportunities for Philippine exports because of some countries’ open market access and need for products.
source: philstar
