When a business is thriving, the most apparent direction that it can take is to expand its operations and acquire a bigger market. For Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), expansion might mean targeting new customers, diversifying product offerings or investing in physical infrastructure. More often than not, the vision of acquiring new customers for SMEs is limited to the local market. However, this vision can be expanded wider to the international market through registering to the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. or PhilExport.
PhilExport is a non-profit organization that aims to help businesses in the Philippines with exportation of goods and services. PhilExport was established last August 1992 and is an accredited organization under the Export Development Act (EDA) of 1994. An SME looking into exporting its products should consider registering to PhilExport due to the following benefits offered by PhilExport to its members:
Assessment and Guidance on Trade Competence
PhilExport provides an assessment on its members’ readiness to export products and services. This includes operational efficiency, quality of products, and appraisal of the product’s competitiveness in the global market. Based on this assessment, PhilExport formulates strategies that businesses can implement to successfully export its products. Through this guidance, PhilExport also ensures that its members are compliant with standards and regulations.
Introduction to a Wider Network
PhilExport introduces its members to a wider network through business matching, a platform that enables businesses to sell their products to international buyers, and its Export Assistance Network.
Through business matching, members of PhilExport are introduced to international customers who are looking for suppliers from the Philippines. This works hand-in-hand with the platform that the organization has created wherein its members can sell its products and services through interacting with international buyers.
PhilExport also offers an Export Assistance Network which connects its members to other agencies that can assist SMEs in exportation. Some of these partners are the Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED), DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG), and Philippine Small and Medium Business Development (PHILSMED).
Participation in Relevant Training Programs
Apart from providing assessment and guidance on trade competence, PhilExport also offers different training programs to its members to ensure success in exportation. Some of the seminars they conduct are about export financing and shipping and import-export procedures. Technical Assistance Programs are also offered which discuss how to improve the quality of products and subsequently, competitiveness of the products when exported.
Through all of the benefits above, membership to PhilExport sets a business up for success in exporting its products. Now, how can SMEs become a member of PhilExport and access the different services it offers?
How to Register to PhilExport
To become an associate member of PhilExport, the business must be in operation for at least one (1) year, is sponsored by any member of the Board of Trustees, and is not part of the DTI watchlist. There is a one-time membership fee of Php 700.00 and an annual membership fee of Php 2,000.00.
The following are the required documents to be submitted:
*Click the arrow on the upper right corner of the image above to enlarge image and click on links and sample documents
Remember to submit the requirements above directly to PhilExport.
Becoming a member of PhilExport opens up limitless opportunities for SMEs. The organization aids in simplifying a rather daunting task for businesses and provides structure to it. To expand a business beyond the local market and Philippine borders, SMEs must consider becoming a member of PhilExport to become one step closer to maximizing their business’ full potential.
Last step for expanding your business
Growing your network and your business’ operations form part of the necessary steps in expanding towards supplying internationally. If your current capital is only enough for local operations however, it’s recommended to evaluate your options for working capital financing.
Your current profits may be more than enough to keep your current operations running, but not enough to fulfill exporting fees and other growth expenses.
Click here to learn more about the best business financing options for working capital. You can also apply for one with First Circle by clicking here.
