PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday rallied allied nations against the use of weapons of mass destruction as he reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regulate the trade of dual-use technology to ensure that tools meant for progress would not become weapons for destruction.
The President, at the opening of the Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit 2024 in Taguig City, said the rapid pace of advancement and emerging technologies demands everyone to be “more agile, more responsible, and it requires us to address both the speed and dual-use nature of these new technologies.”
“This summit is not merely about managing trade, it is also about mitigating risks, promoting stability and confidence in our regulatory regimes, and ensuring that the tools of our progress do not become weapons of our destruction,” Marcos said.
He said the summit is also more than just a bureaucratic exercise, but is also about “upholding the rule of law, protecting the people, and contributing to peace and security.”
“As a crucial tool in our endeavor to uphold global peace and security, STM (strategic trade management) allows us to regulate dual-use goods and technologies to prevent their misuse while encouraging lawful trade that benefits us all,” he said.
The President, during the event, also highlighted the importance of having efficient export control of strategic goods, especially those that are being used for military purposes or the production of weapons of mass destruction.
“By leveraging our collective strengths, we can advance regional initiatives that ensure supply chain security, counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and insurgency, and create an environment where trade can thrive,” he added.
UPGRADING TRADE STANDARD
The President also committed to improve trade and industry standards and modernize regulations through various trade and investment frameworks to foster a more competitive region.
“One country cannot do this alone. Each of us, no matter the race, the color, or belief has a clear stake in building a more secure and prosperous world. Let this occasion be a reminder to renew important conversations and to reinforce our commitment to creating what we refer to as Bagong Pilipinas that is not only safe and secure but filled with promising opportunities for all,” Marcos said.
He said the Philippines, for its part, has adopted a strategic investment plan that is focused on developing key industries and empowering the country to position itself better in the global market.
He said these policies include requiring individuals and entities engaging in STMA-covered activities to register and to receive authorization to deliver their services; educating not only border control and import/export officers in fulfilling their responsibilities but also stakeholders to properly comply with rules and regulations; and conducting post-authorization audits, compliance checks, and compliance consultations through monitoring and inspection activities.
Marcos said the Philippines is on track in terms of STM advancement as the country’s ranking in the latest Peddling Peril Index improved even as more work still needs to be done.
The Philippines ranked 49th in the Peddling Peril Index 2021/2022, an improvement from the 86th place in 2017/2018.
The STM summit is an annual export control forum focusing on regulatory updates and best practices for the implementation of STM systems in the country and also serves as a platform to discuss counter-proliferation challenges such as emerging technology, intangible technology transfer, transit and transhipment, and sanctions.
Around 300 delegates from local and international organizations attended the forum, led by Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
