Philippines Mandates Use of Online Trade Platform Across Agencies

The Philippines is requiring its trade regulatory government agencies to use TradeNet, the country’s online trade processing platform for import and export permits and applications, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said March 30. The mandate is expected to “slash” processing times and simplify permit procedures, HKTDC said. The requirement now goes beyond agencies that traditionally handle trade, such as government entities that oversee logistics and port operations, the retail sector, freeport zones, and agriculture and food. Agencies that don't comply with the mandate may face “administrative sanctions,” the report said.