ECCP backs direct importation of sugar

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) supports the proposal to directly import sugar to ensure adequate supply in the domestic market.

The chamber, however, said the importation should not adversely affect local sugar planters and millers.

“The chamber recognizes the socioeconomic importance of the sugar industry in the country as it provides livelihood opportunities for various sectors including agriculture, processing and trading sectors, among others… We are also aware of the stark reality that given the decreasing hectares for sugar plantation and the increasing demand by the growing population, the domestic supply of sugar will not be sufficient to meet the needs of both manufacturers and consumers,” the ECCP Advocacy Papers 2023 released last May 26 said.

“We would also like to emphasize that the said measure and its guidelines should be crafted in such a way that it does not adversely affect local sugar planters and millers, and should be done in close collaboration with the concerned industries and affected stakeholders,” it added.

Moreover, the measure will help the government cushion the economic repercussions of the aftermath of the pandemic and the effects on trade of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“With the country still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic and now with the ripple effect of the military aggression in Ukraine, it is imperative that the government implement policies that will help cushion the economic repercussions of these unprecedented events,” the paper added.