Activities of the Coalition

Under the assistance granted to the Philippines, the Coalition is tasked to undertake the following activities:

In-depth profiles of Philippine service sectors

After a series of intensive consultations held prior the launch, the Coalition decided to focus on the sectors of accounting (professional services and outsourcing), education services, engineering services, franchising, interactive media with focus on animation, health and wellness, and shipcrewing/ shipmanagement.

Profiles of the services sectors selected will include an analysis of domestic and export market regulatory issues and concerns (which either restrict or facilitate trade), as well as export market opportunities and/or threats.

Integrative Studies for the Education and Trade Policy Issues

In addition to the sector studies, the Coalition will draw up integrative studies organized along subjects which cut across all the above sectors; i.e., trade negotiations, trade policy, and human resources. The integrative studies aim to provide the basis for the formulation of the framework for Philippine international negotiations under GATS in the WTO and in other international bodies. These studies will also provide inputs to the government sector and private sector plans on formal, informal, and continuing lifelong education and training.

A Roadmap for Export Competitiveness of Services

Based on the result of the industry profiles, capacity-building workshops will take place tailored to the needs and interests of the sector. The workshops will be avenues for services stakeholders from the government, the private sector, and academe to forge alliances and effectively network to develop and promote the Philippines’s performing services sectors. The workshops will include modules that will enhance stakeholder understanding of the multilateral services trade regime, particularly the elements and nature of negotiations under the GATS. Focus will be given to exchanging relevant information, experience, and best practices for application to future policy and regulatory decisions.

Study on assistance rendered by SME Development Organizations

The study will provide a meaningful assessment on role of the various SME Development Organizations in advancing competitiveness of the services exporters. The study will conclude with the recommendations to strengthen individual organizational thrusts and objectives to be more responsive to the needs and challenges of the sector.

Case Studies

The case studies will present individual exporting firms as models which others in the sector may be able to emulate, presenting their history; strengths and weaknesses; best practices and specific areas of competence and competitiveness. Services sectors covered in the case studies are accounting, engineering, franchising, health and wellness, and ship management.