Section 7Sec./Art. 7

Powers and Functions. - The Council shall:

(a) Approve the PEDP; coordinate, monitor and assess the implementation thereof, and, when necessary, institute appropriate adjustments thereon in the light of changing conditions in both

the domestic and international environment;

(b) Periodically review and assess the country's export performance, problems and prospects;

(c) Identify the main bottlenecks, problem areas and constraints in all areas/sectors/activities which influence the development of exports, including but not limited to, such matters as policy framework, physical infrastructure, finance, technology, production, promotions and marketing;

(d) Mandate specific departments and agencies to attend to the bottlenecks and problems constraining the development of exports in any of the areas mentioned in paragraph (c) above, and require the concerned Secretaries to deliver a progress report(s) on the actions/initiatives taken to resolve these areas of concern at the next meeting(s);

(e) Ensure export quality control by overseeing the formulation and implementation of quality control guidelines by appropriate agencies to make Philippine exports at par with world-class products;

(f) Impose sanctions on any government agency or officer or employee thereof, or private sector entity that impedes efficient exportation of Philippine goods;

(g) Recommend to Congress any proposed legislation that would contribute to the development of exports;

(h) Submit quarterly reports to Congress;

(i) Formulate policies or recommend measures and draw up a study within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, relative to the rationalization of the government's export promotion and development functions/activities and programs for the eventual transfer of government export promotions and development activities to the private sector within a period of two (2) years after the approval of this Act;

(j) Formulate the policies for the granting of incentives to exporters;

(k) Adopt such policies, rules, procedures and administrative systems for the efficient and effective exercise of its powers and functions, including the creation or adoption of an executive committee or secretariat; and

(l) Grant and review the accreditation of the organization of exporters, according to the guidelines which it shall later promulgate for the said purpose:Provided,That the organization accredited shall be the dominant one among the other existing export organizations as determined under the guidelines promulgated by the Council hereof.

(m) Issue standards and policies to be observed by Local Government Units (LGUs) in order to:

(1) Ensure that LGUs' plans and budgets are supportive of agri-industrial growth and export competitiveness thrusts of the national government; and

(2) Ensure optimal allocation of expenditures.

The DILG and the regional development councils shall be the channels through which these standards and policies shall be coursed.