Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 225)
Executive Order No. 225 renames the Export Development Council as the Trade and Industry Development Council (TIDC) and expands its mandate to absorb the functions of the Industry Development Council and Domestic Trade Development Council, thereby abolishing the latter two councils.
The Secretary of Trade and Industry serves as the Chairperson of the Trade and Industry Development Council.
The main objectives of the TIDC are to manage the integration of the Philippine economy into the global arena, develop globally competitive Philippine industries, products and services, define the overall trade development strategy, approve and monitor the Philippine Trade Development Plan, and coordinate policies to sustain competitiveness.
There are 9 private sector representatives in the TIDC. They are appointed by the President from among nominees of accredited exporters' organizations, leading industry associations, and the Secretary of Trade and Industry, serving a two-year term.
The TIDC defines trade development strategy, approves the Philippine Trade Development Plan, reviews export and industrial growth performance, identifies and addresses bottlenecks, ensures product and service quality, imposes sanctions on obstructive government or private entities, recommends legislation, and issues policies to local government units among others.
Yes, the TIDC can impose sanctions on any government agency, officer or employee, or private sector entity that impedes the efficient trade of Philippine goods.
The TIDC must meet at least once a month and at least once every quarter with the President. The President may also convene the TIDC whenever deemed necessary.
The TIDC is composed of the Secretary of Trade and Industry as Chairperson; the Secretaries of Agriculture, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Local Government, Labor and Employment, Science and Technology; the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; the Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority; and nine private sector representatives.
The rationale is to integrate these councils into one high-level body (TIDC) to ensure policy coherence and consistency, harmonize strategic directions, and optimize the use of public and private resources to develop globally competitive industries, products, and services.
The TIDC Secretariat is based in the Department of Trade and Industry, headed by an official designated by the Chairman, and composed of personnel assigned by government agencies and private sector organizations represented in the TIDC.