Luen Thai CEO Supports Philippines' Call for Passage of "Save Act"

Henry Tan, Luen Thai Holdings CEO and Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP) Chair delivered a speech during the "Joint Membership Meeting with Philippine Garments and Textiles Industries" at Sofitel Hotel last October 14. Keynote speaker was Philippine President Gloria Arroyo.

In his speech, Mr. Tan as Chair of CONGEP, expressed his support to the Save Act by US Congress. When enacted into law, the Save Act or House Resolution 3039 would allow Philippine garment manufacturers to import and use US textiles for re-shipment to the US finished garments under the cut-and-sew concept, duty-free.

Philippine President Arroyo noted the passage of the bill will give a much needed boost to the local garments industry. "If this new bill is passed into law it will not only help the US textile industry but it will also be a boon to Philippine garment producers and exporters, and it will create new jobs, it will showcase Filipino talent to a wider public, it will differentiate further our exports from other countries in the region. Let's continue to work until that bill is passed into law."

In addition, Mr. Tan emphasized the strong partnership between the private sector and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in initiatives to boost garment export post-quota. CONGEP is one of the leading associations which is at the forefront of pursuing sectoral agreements with the US.

Luen Thai which operates three apparel manufacturing facilities in the Philippines including Clark, San Fernando and Cebu, is the leading garment producer in the country. The garments and textile industry is the Philippines' second largest net dollar earner.