Advertisementspot_img
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Delivering Stories of Progress

Advertisementspot_img

Trade Chief seeks for more funds to support MSMEs in local, int’l trade fairs

Latest article

Advertisement - PS02barkero developers premium website

THEPHILBIZNEWS Partner Hotels

Okada Manila
Hotel Okura Manila
The Manor at Camp John Hay
Novotel Manila
Taal Vista Hotel
Advertisement - PS02barkero developers premium website

By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF

In the midst of growing number of Filipino entrepreneurs, the Department of Trade sees the need for the government to support the micro, small and medium enterprises to showcase their products in both local and international market.

Trade Chief Ramon Lopez said that the Department of Trade and Industry is awaiting the Senate’s approval for the additional budget to send more micro, small, and medium enterprises in various local and international trade fairs.

During his welcome remarks at the Kalakal CALABARZON Trade Fair and the National Capital Region’s Metro Fiesta Trade Fair held last December 5, Sec. Lopez shared that MSMEs usually pay for their spaces at trade fairs, but if the agency’s additional budget request will be approved, they would be able to provide said spaces for free.

“Market access is part of DTI’s 7Ms of Successful Entrepreneurship and trade fairs give MSMEs access to a wider market for their products. We hope that exposure in these five-day fairs will be the beginning of their entry to the mainstream and export markets,” said Sec. Lopez.

DTI holds several regional and national trade fairs and heads the country’s participation in international trade fairs, like the China International Import Expo (CIIE). This year, Philippine exhibitors booked around USD 390 million from CIIE, and Sec. Lopez hopes that with more funds, more MSMEs can participate in CIIE and other trade fairs.

The trade chief, however, advised entrepreneurs to innovate continuously and work toward increasing their production capacity to meet future demands.

“Even if we’re able to open market access to other countries, if MSMEs don’t have enough products, they will still end up with nothing to sell,” said Sec. Lopez.

For MSMEs looking for capital to increase production, he recommended DTI’s Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program, low-interest, no collateral business loan to combat “5-6” lenders. Entrepreneurs can go to any DTI Negosyo Center to know the nearest P3 conduit MFIs or cooperatives and loan amounts from PHP 5,000 to PHP 200,000. Those who wish to borrow larger amounts can go directly to the DTI-Small Business Corporation.

The Kalakal CALABARZON Trade Fair and Metro Fiesta will both run from December 4 to 8 at the Mega Trade Halls of SM Megamall. With 120 exhibitors from Metro Manila and 180 from Region 4A, shoppers can choose from a variety of products like processed food, wearables (footwear, bags, garments, and fashion accessories), and home and holiday decors.

Madame Honeylet Avanceña, a staunch supporter of MSME development and an entrepreneur herself, graced the opening of the trade expo. Also present were Senator Cynthia Villar, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga, DTI Regional Directors Malou Toledo, and Marcelina Alcantara, and Senator Koko Pimentel’s Chief of Staff Jeffrey Yu.

Advertisement - PS04spot_img

More articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Advertisement - PS05spot_img
Advertisement - PS01spot_img
Advertisement - PS01spot_img

Must read

Advertisement - PS03spot_img