9 PRA NEWS UPDATES PHILIPPINE RETAILING
Unveiling Retail Breakthroughs at the 29th NRCE
The Philippine Retailers Association ( PRA ), the national organization of retailers , shopping centers , and allied industries , is proud to announce the staging of its groundbreaking and largest retail industry event in the country - the National Retail Conference and Expo ( NRCE ).
For its 29th edition , the NRCE is even bigger and bolder , providing premier learning sessions from visionary and progressive industry leaders , along with a world-class exhibition to cater to their business needs and facilitate growth and success .
With " Retail Breakthrough " as its overarching theme , the NRCE 2023 Organizing Committee , led by Overall Chairman and Rustan Commercial President , Mr . Donnie Tantoco , along with NRCE 2023 Conference Chairman and Blims Lifestyle Group COO , Mr . Greg Lim , as well as NRCE 2023 Expo Chairmen , iRipple ' s CEO , Ivan Lanuza , and SVP for Retail of The Expressions , Shirley Ng , firmly believe that retailers should be prepared to spread their wings , embrace the forthcoming wave of discoveries , learn new skills and competencies , and execute growth in retail breakthroughs .
This year ' s headliners are undoubtedly a powerhouse . Ayala Land ' s Director , Mariana Zobel de Ayala , will open the 29th NRCE with her captivating and impactful keynote session on " The Power of
29 TH NATIONAL RETAIL CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2023
( Retail Solutions Asia )
Women at the Forefront of Progress ," highlighting the transformative power of women ' s representation and voices in the retail industry . Additionally , Jollibee ' s Chief Business Officer , Joseph Tanbuntiong , a proud Filipino and global brand , will deliver an engaging and thought-provoking closing keynote session on " Rapid Expansion : Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Business Growth ." This session will bring into focus strategies for effectively managing rapid expansion in the ever-evolving business landscape , including investing in technology and infrastructure , cultivating a robust team and organizational culture , and fostering agility and adaptability .
Running parallel to the powerful conference is Retail Solutions Asia , formerly known as the Stores Asia Expo , a top-tier exhibition where seasoned and new retail suppliers showcase their world-class products and services . It serves as an opportunity for businesses to expand and increase their market reach . Retail Solutions Asia is a premier community where you can broaden your horizons , make valuable connections , and witness big ideas come to life . The PRA ' s commitment to providing a magnanimous , information-rich , and top-of-the-line program like the 29th NRCE is evident . None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors : Relex Solutions ( Diamond ), ETP International PTE LTD , Anchanto ( Platinum ), Security Bank ( Silver ), and Retailgate Technologies ( Official Technology Partner ).
Register now at www . nrce-ph . com and reserve your seats in groups to avail of a discount . We look forward to seeing you all in August !
Senate Committee Discusses Proposed VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists in the Philippines
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means held a Public Hearing on June 14 , 2023 , to discuss the proposed Value Added Tax ( VAT ) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists in the Philippines . Led by Senator Win Gatchalian , the hearing brought together stakeholders and resource persons to explore the potential benefits of the scheme .
This incentive encourages tourists to make more purchases , contributing to the growth of the local economy . Implementing the VAT Refund scheme for non-resident tourists is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the Philippines as a preferred tourism destination . This move aligns with neighboring countries that already offer similar schemes , attracting more visitors and boosting the country ' s overall tourism industry .
During the public hearing , stakeholders discussed important aspects such as the refund claiming process , eligible products , and the projected economic impact . Senator Win Gatchalian expressed optimism about the scheme ' s potential to revitalize the tourism sector and boost the Philippine economy , emphasizing the need to balance incentives for tourists with the interests of local businesses .
Mr . Bobby Claudio , Vice Chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association ( PRA ) and a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council ( PSAC ), voiced strong support for the implementation of the VAT Refund scheme . The PRA believes that such a scheme would generate additional tourism revenue for the country .
The proposed VAT Refund scheme aims to allow non-resident tourists to receive a refund on the value-added tax paid for selected products purchased during their visit to the Philippines .
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means will evaluate the insights gathered during the public hearing and deliberate on the proposed VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists . The committee aims to ensure that the scheme aligns with the country ' s economic objectives and creates an attractive and competitive environment for tourism . If successfully implemented , the VAT Refund scheme for non-resident tourists has the potential to position the Philippines as the next shopping destination in Asia . By attracting more visitors and encouraging increased spending , the scheme could drive economic growth , create opportunities for local businesses , and stimulate job creation in the tourism sector .