DTI-SDN Online News

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION CONSULTATION WORKSHOP CONDUCTED

A total of 42 participants representing various industry sectors, local government officials and national line agences attended the Consultation Workshop on World Trade Organization issues held October 17, 2001 at the Tavern Hotel, Surigao City. The activity was conducted to dissiminate information on trade liberalization efforts under the World Trade Organization of which the Philippines is one of the founding members. Also it aims to generate local issues about WTO which needs to be addressed by the government and other sectors.

Mr. Manuel Aznar, DTI Surigao del Norte Provincial Caretaker and Engr. Ma. Theresa Z. Calang, TIDS II conducted the briefing. The basic gains during the initial years of WTO trading arrangements and the impending issues that must be addressed were the highlights of the presentation.

The common sentiments of the participants is that most of the local producers primarily the agriculture sector is not ready for the competition brought about by this globalization phenomena. They are apprehensive also of the readiness and sincerity of the government to implement appropriate safety nets to cushion the impact of this trend with the local industries. The participants have also presented some recommendations to address the pressing issues.

Traininings Conducted

1. Seaweeds and Oyster Production Training, Bgy Fabio, Tagana-an Surigao del Norte - August 28-29, 200. Thirty (30) participants attended the training. Funded by PAF II funds, the training was conducted by technical personnel from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

2. Organizational Management Training, Socorro, Surigao del Norte - October 9-10, 2001. Fifty six (56) participants from various cooperatives and associations of the poblacion attended the training

3. Financial Management Training , Socorro, Surigao del Norte - October 11-12, 2001. A total of thirty four (34) participants mostly officers of rural based organizations and cooperatives joined the training.