In January 2012, the DTI formally launched the program for the conduct of industry development roadmaps, culminating in a Comprehensive National Industry Strategy. The on-going process of developing industry roadmaps is private sector-driven (i.e. private sector takes the lead in both crafting and driving the action), with the DTI serving as a catalyst, facilitator and an “enabler.” However, government will take the lead in consolidating and integrating the roadmaps into a national strategy—identifying gaps and attracting investments into key projects. A total of 27 industry competitiveness roadmaps are foreseen, along with a Manufacturing industry plan.

Overall, the objectives of the Industry Roadmap Project are to:

• Craft and implement industry development roadmaps
• Craft and implement a comprehensive national industrial strategy
• Institutionalize public-private sector partnership in crafting and executing the roadmaps
• Build up capacity of government and industry associations to execute the roadmaps
• Develop a more strategic and focused investment promotions plan

The industry strategy will intersect with trade policy and provide a platform for sectoral negotiating positions in pursuit of medium- and long-term competitiveness-based generation of jobs and incomes.