Publications (3)0 Total impact
-
Article: Assessment of Competitiveness and Logistics Infrastructure of the Philippine Garments Industry
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The paper discusses the state of the Philippine garments industry, with specific focus on its competitiveness and logistics infrastructure, and how the industry can make use of the prospective Free Trade Agreement with the US. With the signing of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing on January 1, 2005 which called for the removal of all quotas over a 10-year phase-out period, textiles and apparels had been integrated into the mainstream of trade. The question, therefore, is how the Philippines should position itself into this new era of trade in garments. For the Philippines to compete, the industry needs to move up in the value chain, significantly improve its supply chain and seek preferential access to the US. Consolidation of resources among firms and investments generation for productivity enhancement are greatly needed. An FTA can likely increase the Philippines’ competitiveness in the US market but the long-term solutions should be focused on industrial upgrading. Logistics must be improved and investments on physical and human capital must be made to improve the clustering programs between garments producers and textile firms.Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Discussion Papers. 01/2006; -
Article: Challenges in Health Services Trade: Philippine Case
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: There is a growing emphasis on the role of trade in health services (telehealth, health tourism and retirement, investments and deployment of medical professionals) in easing fiscal constraints, generating jobs and income, improving infrastructure and financing, and upgrading the capacities of health professionals. This paper seeks to identify the opportunities, barriers, and risks for the Philippines in participating in global trade in health services. It examines the country’s capabilities in engaging in trade and identifies strategic directions that the Philippines can pursue. It also presents the different market niches that can be tapped relative to the opportunities, namely: the aging populations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations; the shortage of medical professionals in those countries; the long waiting lines in hospital facilities; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of the United States; and the poor healthcare systems in other countries. It also addresses the weaknesses in the supply capabilities of the country--the lack of a policy framework to develop the healthcare services sector in a globalized environment, the lack of human resources planning, and the lack of alignment in the initiatives of the government and private sector.Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Discussion Papers. 01/2005; -
Article: Developing the Japanese Market for Philippine Tourism and Retirement Services: Prospects and Impediments
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This paper aims to assess the prospects and impediments to developing the Philippine’s tourism and retirement services for the Japanese market. The impediments identified are in the areas of air access, peace and order situation, marketing and promotions and market information as well as human resource training. Given that the Japanese population is aging rapidly and the cost of medical and caregiving services in Japan remains to be one of the highest in the world, tourism destinations like Thailand and Malaysia have developed and aggressively positioned themselves in niches like medical and long stay programs. The Philippines currently possesses a relatively good supply of caregivers, real estate facilities for long stay programs and a government agency mandated to devote its resources and efforts in these programs.Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Discussion Papers. 01/2004;
