05 April 2024, Seoul. The Philippines and Korea embarked this month on a ground breaking project for an "Origins Management System for the Promotion of FTAs in the Philippines". The Record of Discussions for the implementation of the project was signed in the Philippines in November 2023 between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the ROK Government through the Korea Institute for the Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Korea Trade Network (KTNET), the designated trade automation business service provider, partnering with DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).

The initial phase of the program was launched this week in Pangyo Smart City, Korea with the Invitational Training Implementation Plan. The week-long program provided the Philippines and ROK sides with an opportunity to exchange views and align targets for the project implementation. Philippine delegates from DTI-EMB, DTI-BITR, Board of Investments, Bureau of Customs, Export Development Council, and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. likewise undertook site visits and meetings with KIAT, KTNET, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the ROK National Paperless Trade Infrastructure Operation, and ROK FTA Support Center. There were likewise sessions on the Korea Customs Service and Issuance of Certificate of Origin, FTA-based exports by exporting companies, and introduction to ROK's FTA platform and usage activation.

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega stated that the "mainstreaming of digital platforms will contribute to enhancing FTA availment among Filipino exporters" and reiterated support for the project. For his part, KTNET CEO and President Cha Young-Hwan shared that ROK is eager to partner with the Philippines and share its best practices on leveraging the available technology for more seamless export transactions. Likewise present was the launch were Philippine Commercial Counsellor Jose Ma. Dinsay and DTI-EMB Director Bianca Sykimte.

The Philippines-Korea FTA was signed in September 2023 ahead of the commemoration of 75 years of Philippines-Korea relations in 2024. END