MANILA -- With Philippine exports growth of 10 percent during the first nine months of the year, the Department of Trade and Industry is encouraging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand their foothold in the global market.

“While current programs and projects in promoting the country’s exports and assisting our existing exporters have contributed to this year’s remarkable export performance, we will explore even better ways to promote exports,” DTI Undersecretary Ponciano  Manalo Jr. said.

This year’s export promotion efforts mainly included outbound and inbound business matching activities; participation in trade fairs in the country or abroad; a nationwide campaign to inform exporters of the opportunities in foreign markets covered by free-trade agreements (FTAs) entered into by the Philippines; and information sessions to keep exporters and potential exporters abreast on foreign market access requirements, he said.

“In preparation for next year’s export promotion strategies, the DTI will converge its trade service officers who are assigned in various commercial posts abroad for them to share strategic market information and specific opportunities to the country’s SMEs,” Manalo said.

He also said that SMEs could consult with trade service officers for them to develop and broaden their presence in foreign markets. Consultations with the officers will be held in this year’s National Export Congress on December 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

With the theme “Integrating SMEs to the global value chains”, the congress aims to encourage SMEs to take part in the country’s improving export performance.

“This year’s congress also intends to provide recognition to the top exporters of the country. This way, we encourage leading exporters to contribute further, and inspire budding exporters to add in the country’s growing export performance,” Manalo said.

For the first nine months of 2014, total Philippine merchandise exports grew 9.9 percent to $46.6 billion from $42.39 billion in the same period last year. Exports also grew by 15.7 percent year-on-year  in September 2014.*PNA

back to top