The Australian Federal Government, State Governments and Territories have taken a united stance and agreed that all freight and logistics services (domestically and internationally) be designated as essential services and thereby supported and protected so that they remain open during the current lockdown in Australia. Many other nations have also committed to maintaining open supply chains despite COVID-19 issues including the Philippines.
Given the shortage in global supply of critical goods in the fight against COVID 19 and export bans imposed by partner-countries, a network of government and private sector groups in the Philippines have embarked on initiatives to re-purpose manufacturing from serving export markets to fulfilling domestic needs.
Governments are swiftly enacting temporary trade measures that aim to restrict exports of essentials and to liberalise imports of vital medical supplies.
A new $110 million initiative will back Australia’s agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment.
