| 21 October 2011
Negros Occidental Industry Associations Endorse Availment Of Free Trade Agreements (Fta) For Global Success
Negros Occidental industry association officers together with resource speakers and DTI heads during the Information Session on Doing Business in Free Trade Areas in Bacolod City.
The Negros Occidental exporters graced the DTI Information Session on
Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (FTAs) at Planta Centro in Bacolod City last October 13, 2011. They represented the area’s prime industries – food and homestyle products.
Ms. Mary Ann Colmenares, Owner of Anaware Ventures and Former President of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) spoke of the benefits of FTAs. “It gives more breathing space to our stakeholders. We cost less than others in the business because our buyers do not pay tariff”, she said.
Ms. Mary Anne Colmenares. Owner of Anaware Ventures and Former President of Association of Negros Producers (ANP) in her talk on “Availing Benefits of Free Trade Agreements”.
Describing herself as 2nd generation handicraft exporter, Ms. Colmenares shared that she was both delighted and surprised when she did not pay any tariff on her 120 footer shipment to Thailand. She was able to enjoy the FTA benefits by getting a Certificate of Origin together with export declaration and bill of lading.
Other participants who strongly endorse the availment of FTAs are Ms. Gonnie Lacsi, President of Association of Negros Occidental Producers and Ms. Josephine Locson, President of Association of Negros Producers. Both delivered encouraging remarks during the sectoral discussions for food and homestyle, and thanked the DTI for organizing such event where exporters clarify issues with the Bureau of Customs and Tariff Commission.
As a closing statement, Ms. Colmenares quipped, “with the challenge in the export sector, taking advantage of free trade agreements can only strengthen competitiveness and sustainability, then the world will only be ours to conquer”.
