‘SMEs Vital to Inclusive Growth in RP’

With the Philippines eyeing to maximize economic gains under the ASEAN regional integration, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is aggressively pushing the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) agenda to ensure that local enterprises can participate in the regional and global value chains.

In a regional multi-stakeholders briefing on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) held today in Cebu City, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Malaya said that rural communities, particularly the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), can benefit from the ASEAN integration.

Maglaya cited the passage of Negosyo Act 2014 or Republic Act No. 10644 which aims to strengthen SMEs by making their services more accessible with the creation of Negosyo Centers.

“The law requires the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities, and municipalities. We’re working closely with the local government units, the mayors, the governors and the private sector on this,” said Maglaya.

She said Cebu is one of the six pilot areas where Negosyo Centers will be put up this year.

Around 100 centers will be put up around the country next year.

Maglaya said they’re also looking into amending trade rules and regulations to make them more suitable not just for big businesses but also for SMEs.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings next year will also carry the SME agenda, the trade official added.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Senior Adviser Dr. Ramon Clarete in his message stressed that SMEs are becoming an important part of trade agreements.

“There can be no inclusive growth without the SMEs,” he said.

The briefing held at Marco Polo Hotel gathered more than 200 stakeholders from the private sector, government, and the academe.

It aims to improve understanding of AEC and the Philippines’ part in ASEAN integration and how to harmonize the public and private efforts in making sure the country can maximize economic gains under AEC, according to DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte. (rmn/PIA Cebu)