Date Published:
May 26, 2021
Focus Area(s):
Code:
DP 2021-17

This study assessed the Philippines' readiness for regional digital trade integration with the Asia-Pacific by using the Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) framework to provide an analytical overview of the Philippines' digital trade policy and regulatory environment. Using the RDTII framework, the Philippines reported an overall RDTII score of 0.342 in 2020, which rates the country as having a slightly restrictive digital trade environment. In the same year, the Philippines performed best in three pillars: pillar 1 (tariffs and trade defense measures), pillar 6 (cross-border data policies), and pillar 8 (intermediary liability and content access). All of these three pillars scored less than 0.200, thus, indicating a nonrestrictive policy and regulatory environment. In contrast, the Philippines performed worst in three pillars: pillar 2 (public procurement), pillar 3 (foreign direct investment), and, pillar 5 (telecommunications infrastructure and competition). These three pillars reported a score of above 0.610, characterized by having a strongly restrictive policy and regulatory environment. Meanwhile, the Philippines was found to be slightly restrictive in intellectual property rights (pillar 4), domestic policies on the use of data (pillar 7), quantitative trade restrictions (pillar 9), standards (pillar 10), and online sales and transactions (pillar 11), which all received a score ranging from 0.210-0.400. This study finds that the Philippines generally has an open policy environment for digital trade, which suggests that it is ready for digital trade integration with the region. However, the proper implementation of some of these policies has not been fully achieved, and this could be a great obstacle or challenge to regional integration.

Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from date of posting. Email publications@mail.pids.gov.ph

Citations

This publication has been cited 6 times

In the Media
  1. Anna Leah E. Gonzales . 2021. Digital transactions to benefit Philippine economy. Manila Times.
  2. Cai Ordinario . 2021. ‘PHL charter equity curbs hinder trade in digital products’. Business Mirror.
  3. Cai Ordinario . 2021. PHL ready for regional integration despite gaps in digital trade. Business Mirror.
  4. Jenina P. Ibañez . 2021. Foreign ownership curbs seen limiting PHL digital integration with region. Business World.
  5. Jenina P. Ibañez . 2021. US chamber official sees possibility of digital trade deal with Philippines. Business World.
  6. Louise Maureen Simeon . 2021. Changes in Philippine procurement process needed — PIDS. Philippine Star.


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