Acting Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque presented the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) five-point agenda for empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC).
The agenda emphasizes integrating trade, technology, and tourism (3T’s) to drive sustainable economic transformation.
Aligned with the event’s theme of “Integrating Trade, Technology & Tourism for Sustainable Economic Transformation,” Roque highlighted how MSMEs can leverage digital transformation, trade opportunities, and diversified funding sources to strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
“Having been an MSME before, I understand the challenges you face. When opportunities like this arise, seize it with confidence. You never know, you could be the next big story,” Roque said during her speech.
The five-point MSME agenda focuses on:
- Digital Transformation: Encouraging MSMEs to adopt e-commerce, online payment systems, and digital marketing to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
- Diversification: Helping MSMEs explore new markets to increase revenue and reduce risks.
- Financing Solutions: Offering tailored financial products like purchase order financing, check rediscounting, and franchising funding, in partnership with major banks and financial institutions.
- Franchising as a Growth Strategy: Promoting franchising to help MSMEs scale their businesses, particularly targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as potential investors.
- Mentorship Networks: Collaborating with Go Negosyo and other agencies to connect MSMEs with experienced entrepreneurs for guidance and support.
Roque also announced plans to establish stores in Philippine embassies worldwide to market Filipino products and stimulate the manufacturing sector.
The MMBC, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-NCR, serves as a platform for business leaders, government officials, and industry experts to collaborate and promote sustainable socio-economic growth.
