09 September 2024, 9:05 AM | Shangri-La The Fort, Grand Ballroom, 30th Street, corner 5th Avenue, Taguig City
Honorable members of the National Security Council, Strategic Management Committee, government officials, distinguished guests, delegations, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant morning to all of you.
I am honored to welcome you to the Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit. This summit will foster collaboration in export controls, gender inclusivity, and bilateral consultations. Nine years after enacting the Strategic Trade Management Act, or the STMA, we have significantly built our national STM system to strengthen our national security and contribute to global efforts of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Our dedicated STO team has grown from 6 to 33 professionals, and now supports 90 enterprises, processed 154 authorizations, and engaged over 600 firms. Our ranking in the Pending Tariff Index has rose from 86 to 48, further reflecting our robust commitment. We have also adapted to challenges by introducing digital solutions, such as STMO’s LearnSTM online learning platform, and the full implementation of our e-licensing system, which is the Stratlink.
Today, we stand as a pioneer in STM and an active participant in a key international WMD treaties, by championing a rules-based international order that promotes peace and prosperity for all. With our UN Security Council bid gaining traction, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and prosperity. We continuously improve our STM framework, address implementation challenges, and bolster capabilities.
Over the past year, we have established comprehensive guidelines governing the use of servomotors. We have also reinforced our forces on Intangible Transfers of Technology and the establishment of a Technology Control Plan, or TCP. Furthermore, we draw inspiration from collaborative platforms and work closely with our partners, particularly the U.S. EXBS and the EU P2P programs, to raise awareness and address institutional gaps.
These efforts are crucial for fully implementing the Financial Action Task Force’s requirement of targeted financial sanctions. With this, our collective efforts successfully thwarted illicit exports, prevented logistics misuse, and facilitated legitimate trade. And we remain committed to expanding partnerships and redefining enforcement protocols.
Before I end, let me emphasize that the Strategic Trade Management ensures a safer, more prosperous future by balancing economic growth with national security. Once again, thank you to all participants for your commitment to advancing STM. Your expertise is crucial in shaping global trade security.
I also extend my gratitude to the DTI-STMO and our partners from the United States Departments of State and Energy. Aligned with President Ferdinand
R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, let us work together in our pursuit of a safer and more prosperous world. Thank you and good morning to everyone. ♦
Date of release: 09 September 2024