9 November 2022 – The implementation of the TradeNet, an online one-stop shop aimed to reduce processing time and harmonize the permitting procedures involved in import and export in the country, will be strengthened under the Marcos administration.
A system long awaited by stakeholders, the digital platform is seen to boost the import and export trade, especially between the Philippines and other Southeast Asian counties. The TradeNet is now connected to the ASEAN Single Window System and is undergoing technical improvements.
On 4 November 2022, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) presided the meeting between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Finance (DOF) to clarify the issues on the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MO A) between the two agencies.
The matter had been pending resolution since 2019.
The meeting was led by Undersecretary Ernesto V. Perez, Officer-in-Charge of ARTA, Undersecretary Dennis P. Villorente of the DICT, Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen M. Napao and Director Angelica I. Sarmiento of the DOF, and representatives from the Bureau of Customs and Presidential Management Staff.
During the meeting, the DICT has agreed to spearhead the technical aspects of the TradeNet including the online system’s management and maintenance.
DOF, for its part, has also agreed to lead the collaboration and coordination in the onboarding of 73 Trade Regulatory Agencies (TGRAs) in the platform.
“ARTA will monitor all the agencies on their compliance to the mandatory onboarding in the TradeNet platform. This is to simplify and harmonize the permitting and licensing processes concerning imports and exports of the 73 TRGAs which was the purpose of ARTA’s previously issued Memorandum Circular, ” OIC Perez stated.
“We thank the cooperation of the DICT and DOF in the strengthened operationalization of the TradeNet. This is indeed a collaborative process as concerned national government agencies actively take part in the realization of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s order to streamline and digitalize government processes,” the ARTA OIC added.
The MOA will be signed by the aforementioned agencies by early December this year.
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