Pursuant to Article 29 of the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, the attached 2000 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) is hereby approved.

This Memorandum Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication as required under Article 31 of the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987.

Adopted: 31 May 2000

BY THE PRESIDENT:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary

ATTACHMENT:

THE 2000 INVESTMENTS PRIORITIES PLAN

FOREWORD

The 2000 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) embodies the framework within which investor confidence is established and maintained. The very essence of economic development lies not only on the capability to cater to investments in the urban areas and in the metropolis, but more importantly, to support sustainable growth in the countryside. Investment generation, thus, becomes one important vehicle towards eventual poverty eradication as envisioned by the Estrada Administration at the end of his term. This year's IPP shall therefore have its theme "UPLIFTMENT OF THE LIVES OF THE COMMON FILIPINO BY DEVELOPING GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIES".

Consistent with the action plans of the administration, the 2000 IPP has identified the following goals:

*   To alleviate and eventually eradicate poverty through employment generation

*   To explore other activities/areas which can aid in increasing the country's exports

*   To further the growth of agricultural productivity and increase countryside development by attracting investment focused at providing adequate industry support and infrastructure system

*   To focus on sustainable development by supporting activities and technologies in line with the country's commitment to environmental protection

*   To develop industries/sectors aimed at maintaining competitive advantage

Likewise, the IPP supports four focal points identified by DTI as follows:

*   For the participant in the global economy, access to new technology, and incentives for innovation in exports and services.

*   For business owner, a fair, transparent, competitive environment.

*   For income earner, more job opportunities and greater access to jobs.

*   For the ordinary household and consumer, value for hard-earned money, consumer information, advocacy and protection and enforcement of standards.

This year's IPP still adopts the regional approach of listing as a continuing effort for regional and countryside development. A distinct highlight of the 2000 IPP is the inclusion of a new heading, Industry Clusters. This is in response to a more focused support to industry competitiveness and development. This will highlight the value-chain among related industries.

Industry Clustering seeks to maximize the natural clusters existing in some of the specific regions in the country. Effectively, the identification of industry cluster in the 2000 IPP will accommodate not only the core industry but more importantly the allied services and linkages of the identified clusters. This is envisioned to be an effective tool in developing competitive advantage among industries; hence, making the regions the core of development.

The 2000 IPP also incorporates a special listing of economic activities determined for promotion and eligible for investment incentives by the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The ARMM IPP is the list of priority areas which have been independently determined by the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of the ARMM in accordance with E.O. 458. Economic activities in this special listing shall be pursued in the ARMM only. However, economic activities listed in the National IPP may also be located inside the ARMM.

The preparation of the 2000 IPP was made possible in coordination with the IPP Inter-Agency Committee composed of Department of Finance (DOF), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and Presidential Management Staff (PMS). Concerned government agencies were likewise consulted and public hearings were held. The regional lists were completed in close coordination with BOI Extension Offices, Regional Growth Area Center and Regional Development Council.

(SGD.) MAR ROXAS
Chairman, Board of Investments
Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry