The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plays a crucial role in the market expansion, export facilitation, and global marketing of the Agarwood industry in the Philippines. With Agarwood products such as oud oil, incense, and perfumery ingredients in high demand worldwide, DTI helps local businesses compete in international markets, attract foreign buyers, and establish trade partnerships.
Key Roles of DTI in the Agarwood Industry:
1️⃣ Export Facilitation & Trade Policy Support
✅ Streamlining Export Requirements & Compliance
- Assisting Agarwood exporters in securing necessary permits from agencies like DENR, BOC, and CITES.
- Providing technical support on export documentation, tariff classifications, and trade regulations.
✅ Access to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
- Helping local producers leverage trade agreements with ASEAN, the EU, and the Middle East for tariff reductions and duty-free access.
✅ Accreditation of Agarwood Products for Global Markets
- Working with regulatory agencies to ensure Philippine Agarwood meets international quality and sustainability standards.
2️⃣ Trade Fairs & International Market Exposure
✅ Participation in Global Trade Exhibitions & Business Matching
- Organizing Agarwood industry participation in international trade fairs like:
- China International Import Expo (CIIE)
- Dubai Beautyworld Middle East
- World Perfumery Congress (WPC)
✅ Philippine Export Promotion Programs
- Featuring Agarwood essential oils, perfumes, and incense in DTI’s Philippine Pavilion during trade expos.
✅ Business Matching & B2B Networking
- Connecting Philippine Agarwood producers with global buyers, perfumers, and retailers.
3️⃣ Global Marketing & Branding Strategy
✅ Developing a Philippine Agarwood Industry Brand
- Establishing Philippine Agarwood as a premium brand known for ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and high-quality oud oil.
- Promoting geographical indication (GI) for Philippine-native Aquilaria species.
✅ Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Integration
- Assisting Agarwood businesses in setting up online platforms for cross-border e-commerce and digital sales.
- Expanding presence on Amazon, Alibaba, and international B2B platforms.
✅ Export Readiness & Product Certification
- Supporting Agarwood farmers and processors in meeting ISO, GMP, and Halal certifications for broader market acceptance.
4️⃣ Investment Promotion & Business Development
✅ Foreign Investment & Trade Missions
- Encouraging foreign investors to fund Agarwood plantations, processing plants, and fragrance laboratories in the Philippines.
✅ Industry Incentives & Tax Benefits
- Working with BOI & PEZA to grant tax holidays, import duty exemptions, and investment incentives for Agarwood exporters.
✅ Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Support
- Offering financial grants, low-interest loans, and training programs for Agarwood startups and small-scale producers.
In a Nutshell:
The DTI’s support for the Agarwood industry is vital for positioning Philippine Agarwood as a premium global commodity. Through export facilitation, trade fairs, branding strategies, and investment promotion, DTI helps local businesses expand their market reach, attract foreign buyers, and boost the country’s fragrance and essential oils industry.
To maximize these opportunities, Agarwood producers, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to collaborate with DTI for export assistance, business development programs, and global marketing initiatives.