Aquino: PHL export sector can weather global uncertainty

President Aquino on Tuesday expressed confidence that the country’s export sector, which is expected to grow less than target this year, would be able to weather the challenges posed by economic difficulties hounding its key markets.

Mr. Aquino made the statement at the 20th anniversary of the Philippine Export Confederation Inc., where he assured exporters of the government’s continued support through during these “challenging times” so that they would be ready when the global economic recovers.

“We continue to recognize the value of exports because your sector is one way we can truly capitalize on our greatest competitive advantage, namely our people. I remain confident in your ability to weather the storm,” he said.

Mr. Aquino said that now is the time for exporters to look for new markets and improve their efficiencies, which would help them adapt to the “new environment” following a global economic recovery. “It is really in these times of adversity when we are given the opportunities to truly prepare for the coming opportunity,” he said.

Referring to yet-untapped markets for exporters, the President said he was told that there are some countries, many in Western Europe, are not even aware of the Philippines’s “thriving banana export industry.” “We must remain proactive in looking for these countries and opportunities because I tell you, this slowdown will end, and when the dust settles, the global environment we will find ourselves in may be very different from the one that we grew up with,” he said.

Mr. Aquino said that as such, “when the global economy recovers, we should be ready to adapt and adjust to whatever the new environment is.”

“You count on your government’s support. All I ask is that you continue what you have been doing these past several years and that you stand by us as we pursue our agenda of reform. In return we will stand by you now when things are tough, and in the future, when things would undoubtedly be better,” he said. -Mia M. Gonzalez / Reporter, Businessmirror