The Department of Trade and Industry aims to boost Philippine exports in services through the creative industry. Trade Secretary Ramon M. 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 Lopez during the “National Export Congress” on Friday, December 6, 2019.
According to the trade chief, creative industry is a high-value adding sector and the Philippines has a natural competitive edge in this area considering the rich pool of Filipino talents.
“In fact, when we conduct our trade and investment road shows 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,” Lopez added.
In 2018, the export services sector has reached $38.4 million. IT-related services generated $22,666 million, accounting for 59 percent and non-IT services of $15,746 million representing 41 percent.
The IT-related services are composed of telecommunications, computer and information services, other business services and audiovisual services. Under other business services, which include some creative industry sectors, such as animation, game and software development, garnered 73 percent or $16,448 million of the total exports of IT-related services.
The country 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, Lopez reiterated government’s support in the digital transformation of micro, small and medium enterprises, 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 Lopez.