The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aims to boost Philippine (PH) exports in services through the creative industry. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez underscored the potential of the industry in strengthening the export sector and supporting the Duterte administration’s goal of creating more jobs and employment opportunities for Filipinos.
“We need to look at creative industries that can bring in economic growth. Apart from making our creative talent pool more competitive and attractive in international markets, we are also pushing for more trade and intellectual property rights activities,” said Sec. Lopez during the National Export Congress on 6 December 2019.
According to the trade chief, creative industry is a high value adding sector and PH has a natural competitive edge in this area considering the rich pool of Filipino talents.
“In fact, when we conduct our trade and investment roadshows abroad, we ensure that we bring our private and government partners from advertising, animation, film, game development, and design, to attract investors as well as encourage companies to expand and locate in the Philippines,” Sec. Lopez added.
In 2018, the export services sector has reached USD 38.4 million. IT-related services generated USD 22,666 million, accounting for 59% and non-IT services of USD 15,746 million representing 41%.
The IT-related services are composed of telecommunications, computer and information services, other business services and audio-visual services. Under other business services, which include some creative industry sectors such as animation, game and software development, garnered 73% or USD 16,448 million of the total exports of IT-related services.
PH aims to be the top Creative Economy in ASEAN in terms of size and value by 2030. DTI has launched the Creative Economy Roadmap that has priority initiatives and subsectors where public and private sectors collaborate to accelerate the economy. The priority initiatives include policies, industries, clusters, cities, tourism, and education. Priority sectors include advertising, film, animation, game development, and graphic arts and design.
Meanwhile, Sec. Lopez reiterated government’s support in the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including exporters through funding.
“We need to prepare for the wide range implementation of the digital transformation by focusing on innovation and embracing the rigors of digital era,” said Sec. Lopez.
