CEBU CITY – With the Philippines eyeing to maximize economic gains under the ASEAN regional integration, the Department of Trade and Industry said it is aggressively pushing for 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 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.
She 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,” Maglaya said, adding, Cebu is one of the six pilot areas where Negosyo Centers will be put up this month and some 100 more centers across the country by 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 Ministerial Meetings next year will also carry the SME agenda, she said.
DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte said the country can maximize economic gains under AEC. (With reports from PIA, RMN)
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