By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
Foreign electric vehicle companies particularly Hyundai, POSCO E & C and Philips Group have urged the Philippines to provide additional support to attract more investors in the e-vehicle (EV), and parts industry, aside from the usual fiscal incentives.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez (Bloomberg)
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said this was raised by these potential investors during a high-level roundtable meeting with South Korean business executives in Seoul recently where he discussed possible opportunities in the e-vehicle industry in the Philippines.
The roundtable meeting was attended by top-level business executives from 16 South Korean companies. Aside from POSCO, Hyundai, Phillips, also present were Lotte E&C, Seohee Construction Company, Korea Western Power, Daeil Corp., International Electric Vehicle Expo, Daekyung Eng. Co. Ltd., Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative, Pyungtaek Port, and Korea Importers’ Association.
As this developed, Lopez noted of the possibility of crafting a special program similar to the CARS Program, which grants a fixed amount of incentives to volume car manufacturers and their localization of automotive parts.
“This would have to be a special program similar to our CARS program, so it can quickly attract investors in the industry,” said Lopez.
During the meeting, Lopez reported that the International Electric Vehicle Association and other companies in the e-vehicle industry in South Korea such as Hyundai Motor, POSCO E&C, and Phillips Group are encouraging PH to provide additional support to attract more investors in the e-vehicle and parts industry, aside from the usual fiscal incentives.
Lopez said that these potential EV investors stressed that tax incentives are not enough in developing an industry of the future.
The association, he said, suggested to provide tax holidays and monetary support per unit produced, as well as government cost sharing in charging/battery replacement stations, the same package that are now being provided by the governments in South Korea and other ASEAN member states.
Accordingly, these countries have local programs to strengthen the industry to encourage the shift to e-vehicle, such as free registration and free parking for e-vehicles.
Likewise, the trade chief cited the tariff modification of EV products under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement as well the consideration of a target date full EV utilization/registration in the Philippines.
Lopez highlighted the strong macroeconomic fundamentals as well as the continuing growth story of the Philippines.
He urged South Korean companies, particularly in the manufacturing industry, to explore when locating and expanding their operations as he underscored the wider market access for companies in the country through the preferential trade agreements PH has with the United States (GSP), European Union (GSP+), as well as with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
“The Philippines is an ideal geographic base for South Korean manufacturing companies, specifically those focusing on automotive and auto parts, electronics and semiconductors, food processing, agribusiness, and other labor-intensive industries. South Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse and expanding the business operations in the Philippines is a win-win, with businesses have greater market access for their products and being our partner in providing jobs and opportunities to Filipinos,” said Lopez in another meeting participated by over 30 South Korean business executives from construction and infrastructure, tool and die, as well as energy industries.
The Secretary together with DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo addressed the issues and clarified the concerns raised by existing locators on the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) Bill, which rationalizes tax incentives to investments.
“The TRABAHO Bill will offer modern and more relevant incentives,” said Rodolfo.
The trade chief also assured investors that there will be a good transition period of the new tax system and there’s no reason for them to delay their expansion projects in the Philippines.
During the meeting, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba also presented the Philippine government’s inclusive, innovation-led, industrial strategy (i3s) as support for the socioeconomic agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte. The i3s complements the government’s thrust to promote an innovation ecosystem in PH, with different sectors partnering to generate more jobs and improved business opportunities.
Aldaba said this agenda has removed obstacles to growth, attracts investments, and creates jobs. It also sets up the environment to strengthen MSMEs and the domestic supply chains, encouraging their participation in global and regional value chains, and link manufacturing with agriculture and services.