Wednesday, December 29, 2004

My Company-Aiming for Global Competitiveness

When we heard about the abolishment of the US quota, the Newtimes Group in the Philippines, simply put, was shaken. Our comfort zones suddenly cluttered with many concerns, namely: stiff competition, China’s edge, cost-cutting, human resource optimization, detailing critical points and more. It is certainly bothersome. The inevitable comes, and the whole world looks at it with different views. By January 2005, the garments sector fully integrates into the GATT principles, an important key of which is the protection of domestic industries through strict implementation of sound tariffs, not import quotas. Freed from restrictions, we’re supposed to enjoy quota free status, but the thought of competing with more established countries breathtakingly-threatens rather than refreshingly-exhilarates our nerves.

Not disheartened but reacting positively, the Newtimes Philippines management responded urgently to the challenge. Mr. Ulysses Young, determinedly focused on improving competitiveness, by way of improving the quality of our produced garments, upgrading production facilities for greater efficiency, and inspiring solidarity of purpose. The idea is to work harder, get better, cascade the synergy mania horizontally and vertically. Altogether, we say no to pessimism. Fearless and bold, we’ll go beyond survival and succeed!

BING L. HERNANDO slept soundly at 12/29/2004 11:57:00 AM