Outgoing Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual called on his potential successor to sustain the momentum of trade agreements and ensure that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) get the assistance they need.
“We have built a strong foundation for the future of Philippine trade and industry. The investments we’ve secured, the consumer protections we’ve put in place… this is the legacy we leave behind. But the work is far from over,” Pascual said during his last day in office.
“It is now up to the next generation of leaders to build upon this foundation and take our nation to even greater heights.”
Ongoing activities that need focus include Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and MSME initiatives like the shared service facilities (SSFs), “Malikhaing Pinoy,” and “Tatak Pinoy.”
“So, identifying the next DTI secretary is crucial,” Pascual said.
He added one of his biggest contributions as DTI chief has been building a pipeline of billions of dollars in investments. Consumer protection initiatives like “Kalasag,” seizures of uncertified products, simplification of SRP lists, and the launch of “E-presyo” are significant achievements.
Business groups Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) expressed optimism that the new Trade secretary will continue the programs and innovations introduced in the department during Pascual’s term.
“We have high respects for Sec. Pascual for his dedication and hard work in promoting MSMEs to the core. We’ve worked with him on various programs and advocacies that support the development of MSMEs,” said PCCI president consul Enunina Mangio.
Mangio expressed hope that initiatives such as regional industrialization, ease of doing business, skills development, investment attraction, export expansion, and consumer protection will remain DTI priorities.
“Secretary Pascual has been a strong partner to the American Chamber of Commerce through our work together to promote trade and investments in the Philippines. We thank him for his service to promote economic growth in the country, and particularly his focus on supporting MSMEs. He will be missed, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter,” AmCham said in a statement Thursday.
Both PCCI and AmCham look forward to working with the new DTI chief, and hope for continued progress in supporting MSMEs, attracting investments, and promoting trade.
