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DTI intensifies awareness campaign on benefits of FTAs

Roy — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:24:19 +0000

The Department of Trade and Industry said that many among our exporters are not really aware of the trade opportunities under the country’s free trade agreements (FTA). That is why it is intensifying its information awareness campaign focusing on the government’s priority exports.

Gregory L. Domingo, DTI Secretary, said that the basic information awareness campaigns from March to November this year will focus on sectors such as motor vehicle parts and vehicles, food, garments and textiles, minerals, coconut products, construction and related materials, wearable, home style and IT/BPO. “More targeted information sessions will enlighten our businessmen to engage or expand their business according to what is viable in our FTA markets,” he said.

The trade secretary stressed that by understanding emerging and new markets, as well as instruments such as the FTA, will help exporters address new challenges in the global business environment. For 2010, the Philippines achieved a record of over $51 billion in export revenues.

At present, the country has FTAs with ASEA, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. An FTA with India is already in the work and due for implementation on the last part of the year. On March 31, a second round of information sessions targeting specific sectors will be launched at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

Domingo said export companies have not yet fully utilized the FTAs “because businessmen are not properly informed of the business opportunities that the country has gained from our FTA.” Last year, the agency was able to conduct information campaigns in 11 cities, benefitting some 2,000 businessmen.

International Trade Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said, “Exploring the FTA markets is one of our core strategies to increase our exports over the next six years and sustain its steady growth. He said that this year’s sectoral sessions will include presentations on market opportunities, including non-tariff measures, in the country’s FTA markets; tariff rates on top exports for each sector under the FTAs, rules of origin, open forum, as well as business testimonials from those who have benefitted from FTAs.

“The FTAs are strategic tools or pathways for growth and competitiveness. Not only do these open markets for our goods and services, but they also compel us, as a people to take a hard look at our economic structures and implement the much needed reforms to put our economy in step with the global environment,” he added.

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PSE to launch Maharlika Board by September 2011

Roy — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:54:46 +0000

“Maharlika Board” or a separate trading board for the Philippines companies that comply with high governance standards is being planned by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). If plans push through, the “Maharlika Board,” which will be the first of its kind in Asia, will start on September this year. It is part of the government’s program to promote the Philippines as a prime investment destination.

PSE’s corporate governance head Argel Astudillo said, “This board will only include listed companies that achieve the highest standard of corporate governance.” Companies, however, will have to increase their public floats to as much as 30 percent to be included in the Maharlika Board, he added. In addition to that, they will also be required to have at least seven independent directors. Three of these directors must be independent, who will be voted by minority investors.

Aside from the prestige of being included in the “exclusive” trading board, companies that will be listed in the Maharlika Board will receive discounts on listing and maintenance fees paid to the PSE. Astudillo also said that tax perks and other financial incentives may also be given to them.

“We are looking at a public launch of the Maharlika Board in September this year,” Astudillo said. “By the time we launch it, we may or may not have companies listed… but we hope have received indications,” he added.

The Maharlika Board, according to Astudillo, will be loosely patterned after Brazil’s “Nove Mercado,” a board for that country’s most transparent listed firms. He noted a report based on foreign studies that showed investors value companies promoting good corporate governance higher by 20 to 25 percent compared to other firms.

“We want to rebrand our country to show the world that we are serious about focusing on good corporate governance,” Astudillo said. He said the country’s negative image as an investment destination has burdened Philippine financial markets. Controversies such as the 1999 stock manipulation case and insider trading involving listed firm BW resources were among those Astudillo cited.

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UK to promote business opportunities in Asia, Philippines

Roy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:13:13 +0000

The United Kingdom government plans to beef up its investment in Asia by promoting business opportunities in the region, particularly in the Philippines. UK Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable said it noted the importance of these business opportunities to the British businesses’ emerging markets. “If we were looking for growth, we should be looking to Asia. Asia is driving the global recovery and its growing middle classes are seeking more of what we can produce,” he said.

With this aim, the British Government, through its UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will be hosting a series of events from 2010 to 2011 around UK to galvanize more British businesses to tap Asian markets. British Ambassador Stephen Lillie will meet with investors in London next month, together with 10 other British envoys from Asian countries to encourage more British investment.

Lilie said, “The Philippines has engaged over nine years of continual economic growth. With a large English-speaking workforce, huge natural resources and a strategic location, the country has a very promising future. We hope that the incoming Philippine Administration will take active measures to make the country an even more attractive place to do business, including by curbing corruption and investing in infrastructure. At a time when an increasing number of British companies are looking at East Asia, the UKTI team at the British Embassy in Manila is ready to help identify opportunities in this fast-growing market.”

The UKTI has tied up with the RBS Group to help promote opportunities in Asia to their clients, provide experts from Asia at events, and run practical sessions advising on trade finance. For the past decade, UK has the largest investors in the Philippines with a combined net foreign direct and net portfolio investment from 1999-2009 amounting to $9.7 billion ($8.7 billion in portfolio investment and $930 million in FDI).

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Phone service for those without cellphone

Roy — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:21:55 +0000

Smart Communications launched recently a new service which was aimed to provide mobile communications to Filipinos who still do not have cellular phone. The new service called the Talk ‘N Text Barangay Phone, is being offered through a wireless telephone set powered by a Talk ‘N Text SIM card. It allows users to call any landline or mobile phone anywhere in the country for as low as P3 for a three minute.

The Talk ‘N Text Barangay Phone may be used by people who needs to make a call either to a landline or a mobile number but do not have their own cell phone. As such, it will be deployed in neighborhood sari-sari stores and other high traffic locations like public markets or transportation terminals, and possibly even to ambulant vendors nationwide.

Smart chief wireless advisor and co-founder Orlando Vea said, “Offering quality services to what they now call ‘the base of the pyramid’ is built into SMART’s DNA. This is where and how we grew. Offering the Talk ‘N Talk Barangay Phone is a natural progression of that strategy.”

Aside for individuals without cell phones, the service would also benefit even those who has their own mobile phones in emergency cases and their phone battery is dead or has no load credit.

To use the Talk ‘N Text Barangay, users just need to buy the micro ‘bucket’ load at denominations of P3 for a 3-minute call, P6 for a 6-minute call,or P12 for a 12-minute call to any number within SMART’s network of over 42 million subscribers nationwide. For calls to landline or mobile numbers within another network would costs P6 for a one minute call, or P12 for a two minute call.

It is also another businesses opportunity for enterprising individuals who wants to provide such service in their area. They just need to buy a pre-loaded P3,000 worth of e-load, the sale of which in sachet size gives them a healthy margin. The set, which is free, comes in a box complete with a phone kit, a Talk ‘N Text SIM pack, a retailer kit, and ‘marketing’ collaterals such as stickers and posters.

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Chinese business group to visit the country

Roy — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:16:57 +0000

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Chinese businessmen will be arriving in the country later this month to explore trade and investment opportunities here. They will looking into different industries like mining, food and biofuels, according to DTI secretary Jesli Lapus.

The group of Chinese businessmen will stay in Manila and Cebu from May 27 to June 1. Lapus said this will give Filipino businessmen the opportunity to showcase their products and services to their Chinese counterparts, which will be led by Chen Wu, vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuan Autonomous Region.

“Chinese businesses are cash awash and are looking for ventures where they can invest their money. Filipino businessmen are encouraged to market their products to a rising affluent population in China. One way to make inroads to this huge Chinese market is by forging partnership with these businessmen,” Lapus said.

The delegation’s visit to the country will focus on talks regarding the Guangxi Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation (PBGEC). PBGEC is China’s initiative to develop the Guangxi Pan-Beibi Gulf Economic Zone under the framework of the China-Asean Free-Trade Area (Cafta). The Philippines is a member of PBGEC.

The said initiative also aims to abolish custom duty by 2010 and provide a two-way investment flow where foreign enterprises are invited to invest in China. “Certainly, the implementation of the PBGEC within the Cafta will yield mutual benefits for China-Asean activities in the region,” Lapus said.

Likewise, Chen and his group will also discuss the 7th China-Asean Business and Investment Summit (Cabis) and the 7th China-Asean Expo (Caexpo), which is part of strengthening China-Asean economic ties.

The Caexpo for this year will carry the theme “Cafta and New Opportunities.” It will be a four-day event which will start on October 20, 2010 in Nanning, China. Delegates from the Philippine Commodity Trade Pavilion will represent the country in the said expo where they will showcase fresh and processed Philippine foods, as well as souvenir and gift items.

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New SM mall in Cebu to rise in 2012

Roy — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:25:52 +0000

The country’s largest operator of mall chains, SM Prime Holdings Inc., is yet on another expansion as it announced its plan to start the construction of its new shopping mall located within the 240-hectare South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu 2010.

According to SM Prime chief financial officer Jeffrey Lim, the proposed shopping center will be having a gross floor area of 250,000 square meters, which make it the biggest the retail complex in Visayas and Mindanao. He said that the proposed shopping mall would be a smaller version of the 60-hectare Mall of Asia complex along Roxas Boulevard.

For the proposed mall in Cebu, the company has earmarked at least P20 billion in investment over the next 15-year period for a mixed-used development project at SRP which will also house a convention center, hotels, high-rise residential condominiums, school and a hospital. SM Prime offered to acquire the 28-hectare property within the SRP for P11,000 per square meter, or approximately P3 billion. The said property is a land reclamation project by the Cebu City government.

For this year, SM Prime will be opening five new malls in the country and one in China, where it will be spending P12.1 in total investments. Scheduled to be open this year are Calamba, Laguna; Masinag, Antipolo; Tarlac; Novaliches and San Pablo, Laguna.

The company also plans to open three new malls in Chonggqing, Suzhou, and Zibo, China, which are targeted to be opened between 2010 and 2012. Presently, it has three existing malls in China – SM Xiamen, Jinjiang and Chengdu.

SM Prime is targeting to have a total of 41 malls before the end of 2010, with a total gross floor area of 4.5 to 4.8 million square meters. Its malls are presently enjoying foot traffic of over 2.5 million per day.

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US BPO firm opens office in the Philippines

Roy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:54:31 +0000

A new business process outsourcing (BPO) firm has chosen the Philippines as the location of its latest service center. US-based Cybernet-Slash Support (CSS) recently opened its 1,000-seat facility in Taguig, its first Philippine site and currently has 400 employees. CSS said the new facility will be used for the company’s outbound sales, technology and other integrated BPO services for clients in North America. It plans to increase the number of employees in Philippines to around 2,000 people by the end of 2010. The company said it is in line with the company’s aspiration to emerge as a strong player in the country’s BPO space.

CSS’s chief executive Nick Sharma said they choose the Philippines as the site of its newest facility because of the “highly conducive” business atmosphere and talent pool of experienced BPO professionals. “The Philippines has emerged as one of the key global hubs for the BPO industry,” Sharma said. And thus, they felt that now is the most opportune time to expand their capabilities in the Philippines and extend their “portfolio of superior, effective support services to customers.”

Sharma said that CSS have committed $15 million in its budget to develop their business in the Philippines, and see it as their biggest facility in three to four years time.

They would be planning to hire mostly computer-related or engineering graduates who will be expected to provide their clients with both technical and customer support. Most of their clients are in the information technology, retail and healthcare sectors.

With its based located in San Jose, California, the company employs around 4,000 people working out of its global operations centers in India, the US, Poland and now, the Philippines. American telecommunications giant Alcatel-Lucent and tech firm Sun Microsystems & Blackboard Inc. are just two of the big-ticket clients of CSS.

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10 MW biomass power plant to be put up in Quezon

Roy — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:50:14 +0000

A local firm engaged in the production of renewable energy is planning to put up a biomass plant in Quezon. A 10 megawatt (MW) biomass plant in Quezon is one of the upcoming projects of Ecoenerhiya. Company director for business development, Antonio Lopez, was quoted as saying that the project would cost about $36 million (P1.7 billion).

The P1.2 billion of the P1.7 billion would be financed through borrowing and the remaining cost will be coming from the company’s equity. According to Lopez, Ecoenerhiya is currently negotiating with Banco De Oro as possible provider of financing for the project, which is expected to be sealed by April this year.

The company hopes to start the construction of the Quezon plant in May this year and finish it by June next year. The 10 MW biomass project is a part of the total 24 projects which the company is eyeing. They expect to carry out half of the projects within a five-year time. The company is also open to accepting investors who would like to take part in their projects, said Lopez. “We are talking with investors, but we are not yet sure whether we will tie up with PNOC-RC. We are looking at all possibilities,” he said.

PNOC-Renewables Corporation (PNOC-RC), is one the companies being eyed to be one of the company’s partner in some of the proposed biomass facilities.

The biomass project in Quezon province will be undertaken through a special purpose vehicle company, Unisan Biogen, of which, Lopez is the president.

Ecoenerhiya, through Unisan, will develop the plants, take minority stake and sell equity to other investors, according to Lopez. The 10 MW project in Quezon will be used as a test by the company to determine if they will pursue their plan to put up more biomass projects.

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China and India look into RP’s mining industry

Roy — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:53:40 +0000

Foreign companies are looking at the Philippines as possible investment target in their search raw materials for infrastructure projects. Investors from India and China want to prepare for the global economic recovery and thus are exploring the possibility of investing in the mining industry in the country.

The first one, Indian company SK Resources & SK Transnational Pte Ltd., was said to be looking for potential supplier of iron ore and manganese in the Philippines, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). SK resources is into metals trading and mine operations. M.L. Sarawagi, director of SK Resources who is based in Singapore said he is scouting for potential suppliers of iron and manganese.

Meanwhile, delegates from China composed of 14 business people and government officials will be flying in to the country. According to MGB, the delegation will be visiting the Philippines to look into the local mining industry.

Members of the delegation include officials of Hunan Chenghe Mining Investment Development Co. Ltd., Wuxi First Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. and Wuxi Longda Metal Sheet Factory.

Another delegation who would be visiting the Philippines soon, includes the Whahaha Group Co. Ltd. The Whahaha is based in Hangzhou, China and is the leading drink maker in China. Company chair Zong Qinghou has been briefed by the MGB regarding the Philippines’ mineral landscape.

According to the report of the MGB, Zong is interested and would like “to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Philippines’ mining sector,” more specifically on possible sources and locations of different mineral deposits in the country.

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Schwarzenegger to lead business delegation who’ll visit the country next year

Roy — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:09:17 +0000

The Terminator will visit the Philippines next year, but he won’t be here to promote nor shoot any film. Instead, the California Governor will be leading a group of US business delegation who will visit the country in February as part of the government’s marketing efforts to expand the market of Philippine exports and industries.

The announcement was made by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who said that Schwarzenegger will be tagging along about 150 to 200 businessmen from San Francisco to discuss possible partnership deals with local industries. The main agenda of the delegation here would be green-energy technology.

The San Francisco delegation would be the first of a series of inbound business-matching sessions to be hosted by the Philippines next year for foreign trade and investment missions, according to DTI’s Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP).

Aside from the Schwarzenegger-led delegates from San Francisco, visitors from Canada will also be flying in next year to discuss possible partnership with local firms. They would be looking on companies in the fields of education, medical tourism, import/export, banking and finance, and information technology (IT).

Likewise, delegates from Seattle and Silicon Valley would also come here for IT, Taiwan for diagnostic, Northern China for coco oil, and Portland for food products.

Meanwhile, local exporters would be brought by the government to about 20 countries next year too, for a similar pre-arranged business-matching sessions with foreign buyers.

The DTI said, “For 2010, BETP intends to conduct 23 Outbound Business Matchings (OBMs) to cover processed food, auto parts, fine jewelry, furniture houseware, wellness services, construction services, content for film and television, natural and organic products, and personal care products.”

Among the scheduled destination countries for Filipino exporters are Macau for processed food/marine products, India for snack food, Korea for marine products and natural and organic products, China for furniture, and Malaysia for Halal food.

Interested exporters who want to participate in these business-matching programs next year may contact BETP through (02)890-1200.

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Opportunities in macapuno production

Roy — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:55:36 +0000

There is a big demand for the macapuno or the “mutant nut” in the Philippines as well as in other countries. This offers a big opportunity for Filipino entrepreneurs as they can venture into the business of producing planting or the nut itself.

The Philippine Coconut Authority Albay Research Center scientists were able to develop the Embryo-Cultured Macapuno in 2008, which made the production of “true-to-type” macapuno easy.

Cristeta Cueto, one of those scientists said that because of the big demand for the product, technology was able to offer big opportunity to prospective investors into tissue culture laboratory and nursery operations. Or, they might also be interested to produce the nut itself for domestic and foreign consumption.

Cueto, during her talk in the recent forum of investors at Nido Fortified Science Discover Center at the SM Mall of Asia last November 25, said that there is a wide gap between the supply and demand for macapuno nuts. The data from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) confirms this.

That is why in 1999, 134,000 Embryo-Cultured macapuno was required to plant 1,160 hectares and serve the eight million macapuno nuts required to serve the market’s demand. “Since then, massive planting of laboratory-raised seedlings had been encouraged to retain the status of being the largest macapuno nut-producing country among the coconut-growing regions,” Cueto added.

She cited the opportunities in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and industrial macapuno-based products waiting to be explored.

Cueto also mentioned the studies conducted by Dr. Ma. Judith B. Rodriguez of the PCA-ARC in the utilization of the nut’s highly viscous liquid endosperm that has high content of galactomannan, a polysaccharide, which can be used as alternative raw material for the production of hand and body lotion, hand sanitizers, hair cream, facial masks, hair gel, shampoo, conditioner, and even as biodegradable edible film.

This technology of producing embryo-cultured macapuno however is available only for commercial production of true-to-type macapuno planting materials. For investors interested in the mass production of embryo-cultured macapuno, seedling will be provided as well as complete technical training in the developed protocol, Cueto said.

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Google offers stimulus package to RP businesses

Roy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:18:17 +0000

Internet giant Google has come to the aid of Philippine business as it offers business stimulus package to local businesses. Google, together with STI Colleges has offered to build free websites for 200 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Aside from that, they will also be given P2,000 worth of free credits on Google AdWords.

This one-time offer, said Derek Callow, head of marketing for Google Southeast Asia, is meant to give local business a push and boost their online presence as they help them harness the power of the Web to grow their enterprise.

Callow said, “Any Philippine company that has a product to sell and a valid business permit can apply for the package.” The first 200 businesses who will sign up at the www.google.com.ph/stimulus until December 15, 2009 will have their company websites developed by STI College for free.

Subsequent participants, Callow added, will only have to pay a one-time free of P3,000 to STI College for the website development work.

There will be no hosting charges to the companies because the websites will be hosted on Blogger.com, which is owned by Google. The business stimulus package, Callow said, is “unique to this region.” It will enable local businesses to harness the cost-effectiveness and reach of the Internet to access a wider market and increase sales.

This project is being undertaken by Google in partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Go Negosyo and STI Colleges.

“We had to take a step back and show businesses how to build a website first. It’s the first step in communicating with your buyers in a cost-effective way and promoting your products on the Web,” Callow said.

CICT Cyberservices group head Monchito Ibrahim said the government fully supports the project, which aims to develop an ICT-enabled economy.

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North Philippines takes centerstage in tourism expo at Clark

Roy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:31:44 +0000

The North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo 2009 (NorthPhil) will be held at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga next month. The international event will showcase the best of North Philippines as it aims to highlight the best cultural, historical, environmental and natural attractions and destinations of Northern Luzon and the rest of the archipelago as an international showcase for the world to see.

Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Ace Durano said, â€œDirect flights to the international airports in North Philippines from some Asia-Pacific countries are available, facilitating easy connections for both inbound and outbound travelers. Thus, the event will gather not only the regionâ€™s major industry players, but also end-consumers and members of the global travel trade and other allied sectors.â€

The event is scheduled on November 13 to 15, and it is expected to bring in thousands of corporate, government, entrepreneurial, organizational and individual local and foreign visitors, as it does every year. Because of this, Durano said exhibitors were able to â€œmeet potential partners and clients and generate business and establish market linkages domestically and globally, especially since the NorthPhil Expo will be held in Clark, which is an international tourism hub itself.â€

Among those who have already signed up to participate in the Expo were Cebu Pacific Ar., Zest Air, Nayong Pilipino sa Clark, White Rock Waterpark and Beach Hotel, Holiday Inn Clark, The Legend Palawan, Microtel Hotels and Resorts, Red Coconut Beach Boracay, Hotel Vida, Lewis Grand Hotel, Oasis Hotel, Pampanga Association of Travel Agents, Pampanga Visitors Bureau, and the city governments of Calapan, Puerto Princesa and Tarlac, and many others.

The Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation (PETCO) is the event manager for the said exhibit and it will be held at the SM City Clark.

DOT organized NorthPhil through its regional offices in Ilocandia, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Autonomous Region, and is supported by the Philippine Tourism Authority, Clark Development Corp., Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Manila North Tollways Corp. and the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales as sponsors.

Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Sun Star Pampanga, Punto Central Luzon, CLTV 36 and Bayan Productions will be their media partners.

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Trade exhibit for pint and labels

Roy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:57:49 +0000

The Philippine Center for Print Excellence Inc. (PCPE), together with the Philippine Printing Technical Foundation Inc. (PPTF) and Global-Link MP Events Intâ€™l Inc. will be holding the for the 6th year a print and label expo.

It will be the Print & Label Philippines 2009, the 6th International Printing & Label Machinery, Paper & Paper Products, Graphic Communications, Digital Imaging, Pre-Press Solutions, Accessories and Services Exhibition, which will be held on October 7 to 10 at the SMX Convention Center. The show will be open to trade buyers from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 7, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 8 and 9, and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 10.

The said exhibit has achieved record-breaking results last year, these include 17,176 registered buyers in four days. It attracted over 450 exhibiting companies that occupied 560 booths (9,100 sq. meters of exhibition space), coming from 26 countries and a reported on-site sales worth over $30 million. This year, the organizers expect at least to duplicate, if not exceed that feat.

Jing Lagandaon, COO of Global-Link MP, the organizer of the event, said to would-be participants, â€œAside from the members of PCPE and PPTF, as an exhibitor, you will also meet the members of our supporting organizations that include the Association of Paper Traders of the Philippines Inc., First Association of Self Adhesive Labels Industry of the Philippines, Packaging Institute of the Philippines, Philippine Plastics Industries Association Inc., Printing Industry Association of Davao, Screenprinting, Imaging, Design & Graphic Association of the Philippines and the Technological University of the Philippines. Exhibitors and service providers are guaranteed maximum exposure at Print & Label Philippines 2009.â€

For more information, contact Liza Mara of Global-Link MP at Tel: 750-8588 Fax 750-8585, email: liza.mara@-globallinkmp.com website: www.globallinkph.com www.globallinkmp.com

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Korean companies investing in renewable energy projects in the Philippines

Roy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:23:22 +0000

Recently, nine Korean companies went to the Philippines for the Philippine-Korea clean development mechanism/renewable energy (CDM/RE) projects forum which was organized by the Korea Trade (Kotra) Center. The Korean companies also scouted for renewable and alternative energy projects in country when they were here. They were also looking for local partners.

The nine firms was said to hold meetings with the government officials from the energy and environment department. They also had one-on-one meetings with local project developers and proponents.

These nine Korean companies were: Hanhwa Corp., Kepco subsidiary Korea Midland PowerCo Ltd., Unison Co. Ltd., Halla Energy and Environment, GS Caltex Corp. II, EcoFrontier, BIO-CDM Inc., KS Industry Co. Ltd., and Korea Water Resource Corp. (K Water). These companies, according to Kotra were exploring the possibilities in the country as they recognized the growth of the CDM and renewable energy sectors.

Unison, one of the two biggest wind power manufacturers and developers in Korea is considering wind power and wind tower projects in the Philippines, while K-Water, the leading water resources, treatment and power firm in Korea said that it plans to invest $200 million in a 65-megawatt (MW) hydropower project in Kapagang, Benguet.

Hanhwa and Korea Midland are looking at biomass, biogas power, other CDM projects, as well as wind power projects in the country. The two companies belong to the five biggest energy groups in Korea.

Halla Energy and GS Caltex are interested in biomass, mini hydropower, landfill gas and energy efficiency projects. Halla is one of the largest energy and environment engineering firm in Korea, while GS Caltex is the second largest petrochemical firm.

EcoFrontier, on the other hand, is the leading CDM full-cycle company in Korea and targets to invest in biomass and various CDM projects in the Philippines. BIO-CD and KS Industry are both interested to invest in renewable energy generation projects, which may include putting power plants. BIO-CD is a renewable energy developer, while KS Industry is a power, oil and gas firm.

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Mushroom production seminar

Roy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:58:58 +0000

On Saturday, October 3, 2009, there would be a whole day seminar on mushroom production to be given by Teddy Laurie, an expert in producing spawns as well as growing the crop. He will conduct the seminar right at the AANI Urban Farm at Kingsville Court, Antipolo City where he has put a facility to produce planting materials, particularly fruiting bags of oyster mushroom.

Laurie said that the fruiting bags he produced can remain productive for as long as eight months. He said fruiting bags sourced from others usually remain productive only for a few weeks or months.

The beauty of mushroom growing is that it can be done by urban dwellers as well as those living in the countryside. It can be undertaken as a commercial venture, or even just as a hobby for producing oneâ€™s own home requirements.

Mushroom growing does not require a big space for one to be able to undertake the project, also its gestation period is very short. A mushroom grower who starts with purchased fruiting bags will be able to harvest his first mushroom after only several days. By staggering the schedule of planting, it could result into a daily schedule of harvesting, or some other frequency as desired by the grower or the demand of the market, and the most important thing is that mushroom growing requires only a minimal capital.

To those living in the urban area, growing mushroom is an advantage because there are already where the market for the product is. These markets include institutional buyers like restaurant, subdivision homeowners, weekend markets and the like.

And mushroom is so versatile, so much so that when there is an excess harvest and buyers could not absorb all of them, it can be made into powder or dried mushroom. Laurie will also be teaching this process during the one day seminar. For directions to the seminar site, interested parties can check www.aaniphil.net.

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Ayala, Megaworld, SM eyes investment in mall, call center facility in Albay

Roy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:30:09 +0000

Bicolano businessman Elizaldy S. Co, with his real estate arm, Misibis Land Inc., is investing P1.6 billion to develop the 51,000 square meters Embarcadero fronting Albay Bay and with a commanding view of the famous Mayon Volcano.

As he announced his plan, Co received offers of partnership from real estate and mall developers Ayala Land, Megaworld and the SM Group, for the development of the Embarcadero retail and ICT complex in Legazpi, Albay.

Ayala Land Inc. (ALLI) chairman Fernando Zobel himself, together with ALI president Antonino Aquino visited Legazpi recently for an ocular inspection of the Embarcadero and the Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa on Cagraray Islands which is a 20-minute ferry ride across the bay, according to Co. He said the ALI is eyeing a comprehensive joint venture development deal.

Megaworld, on the other hand, has informally expressed interest in talks regarding a possible joint venture development of the Embarcadero. While officials of the SM Group are interested in leasing a portion of the Embarcadero, possibly to put up a SaveMore supermarket.

Co said he has not yet signed any deal with of the three companies and that talks are still ongoing.

The ICT mall of Co in Legazpi City has been tagged as the Embarcadero, with a total of 51,000 square meters. The 31,000 square meters was said to be reserved for the first ever call center operations in Legazpi, and the 20,000 square meters is for a shopping mall.

Co said that the plans of the come call centers to put up operations at the Embarcadero was put on hold due to the current global economic recession, but the retail investments are continuing with about 80% of the space already pledged under construction. The said location is also the take-off point of a ferry service to the upscale Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa.

Co was also set to develop, through his Sunwest Water and Electric Co. Inc. (SUWECO), some $300 million worth of renewable energy projects in Antique and Catanduanes involving hydro-power, solar and wind power.

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SBMA gets 17 new investment projects worth $57 million

Roy — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:56:58 +0000

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) seems to be getting a new leash to sustain its economic growth. Recently, the free port was able to get 17 new investment projects worth more than $57.74 million signed.

The SBMA officials formally approved the new projects in a mass contract signing ceremony held at the SBDMC Formosa Hall at the free port. Six of the newly approved projects are involved in the leisure industry whose total committed investments are $53.59 million, five projects are in logistics, three in maritime and manufacturing and three more in general business.

Kenneth Lemuel Rementilla, SBMA manager for business and investment for leisure said, the leisure industry in the free port continues to boom, in spite of the global economic crunch. Said sector has turned in the most number of new projects and the biggest value of investment pledges. â€œThis a sure sign that the leisure sector in Subic is becoming more attractive to investors,â€ he said.

Ocean Nike Philkor Inc., a South Korean resort developer, has the biggest proposal among the 17 new projects. The company has set aside P2.5 billion for the operation of hotels, casinos and other leisure facilities at the free port.

Charles Kim, manager of Ocean Nine who represented the company during the contract-signing, said that they will be renovating a hotel complex at the Subicâ€™s Cubi Point to start a hotel and casino operations by January of next year.

Ocean Nice also plans to develop a beach resort, casino-hotel, convention center, shopping mall and a theme park as part of its mid-term and long-term plans.

The next two biggest investments also came from the leisure sector. These are, Innasia Corp., operator of the Courtyard Inn at the free port who will construct a P70-million four-story hotel and expansion of a dining facility, and duty-free shop operator Puregold Duty Free (Subic) Corp., who will have an expansion worth P50 million.

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Chinese firms plan to invest in the Philippines

Roy — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:22:49 +0000

The Philippines still looks as a good country to invest in, and proof of these is that three big Chinese companies who are engaged in shipping and ship repair, beverage and real estate developments, are seriously considering going the country for their next investment destination.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Elmer C. Hernandez was in China recently for an investments mission and had discussions with the CEOs of different Chinese business conglomerates. Hernandez identified the companies who replied positively to his invitations as Hangzhou Wahaha Group Ltd., Chipolbrok and Shanghai Hodoor Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

The Wahaha Group, according to Hernandez, is looking to forge a joint venture with a Filipino group or company for a fruit juice processing plant in the Philippines. They would be utilizing the local fruits for puree and juice production for re-exports to China. â€œThey want to produce fruit purees and juices here because they are running out of fruits in Chinaâ€ Hernandez said. He added that they (BOI) are helping the Wahaha Group find a local partner.

The Wahaha Group, whose name signifies â€œlaughing childâ€ originated as a sales department of the Shangcheng District School in Hangzhou in 1987. In 1989 the company â€œHangzhou Wahaha Nutritional Foods Factoryâ€ was created specifically to tap a niche market which is the â€œchildrenâ€™s liquid nutrient.â€

With its headquarter located in Hangzhou, Zhengjian province, Wahaha has roughly 70 subsidiary companies and 40 manufacturing centers all over China, and the company employs approximately 20,000 workers. Wahaha is 46% owned by Shangcheng District Government.

Meanwhile, the Shanghai Hodoor Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., is interested in putting up hotel and tourist accommodation facilities in the Philippines. Shanghai Hodoor is one of Chinaâ€™s major property developers.

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Consider poultry contract breeding as a sound investment

Roy — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:06:54 +0000

One sound investment that entrepreneurs might want to look into these days is joining the San Miguel Food Inc.â€™s (SMFI) roster of Poultry Contract Breeders and Growers. Being in the company of an elite team delivering the Magnolia Fresh Chicken to Filipinos is definitely a good option.

Take Ofel Datorâ€™s word for it. Dator, owner of the Ofelâ€™s Poultry Farm and a contract grower for SMFI said, â€œIâ€™d definitely encourage any would-be investor to strongly consider becoming an SMFI Poultry breeder. It has turned out to be a very good venture for us.

Ofel began his business in 2005 with minimal capital outlay, together with her husband Serafin Dator. Four years later, Ofelâ€™s Poultry Farm is doing great business earning well over P2.5 million a year. They were recently adjudged Luzonâ€™s Top Contract Breeder for SMFI.

One of the main reasons why the couple chooses to be an SMFI poultry breeder is that it carries the brand Magnolia Fresh Chicken and therefore believed that it is a sure-fire investment. They also believe that in spite of the condition of the economy, food businesses will continue to stand firm. They are confident that there will be no end to the need for chicken meat products, and therefore, no end to the need for their products.

Another reason the couple choose to be an entrepreneur is that they see it as one way of helping their community by providing jobs. Their workers were mostly their neighbors and friends. Ofel said, â€œThese are the people who care for the farm. May malasakit because they are our friends, and because they see how much we care for them as well since we treat them as family members already.â€

Ofel also assured that being a contract breeder for SMFI is a sound investment because the company will take good care you â€“ from the layers to the feeds, to the purchasing of your products and the ready assistance given by their Broiler Production Representatives and their Breeder Technicians. â€œSMFI really takes care of their breeders and growers,â€ she said.

If you are looking for a sound investment for your hard-earned money, check out www.magnoliachicken.com and see the opportunities waiting for you as SMFIâ€™s contract breeder and grower.