DTI: Philippines Promoting MSME Products Across ASEAN, Pushing Digital Shift

KUALA LUMPUR — The Philippines is ramping up efforts to spotlight micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) products at the 46th ASEAN Summit, according to Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

In an interview Tuesday, Roque emphasized the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) aggressive stance in pushing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s economic agenda—highlighting digital transformation, AI integration, and MSME development.

“We’re actively promoting the President’s directives—digitalization, AI adoption, and most importantly, the visibility and competitiveness of MSME products across the ASEAN market,” Roque said.

The ASEAN Summit also serves as a platform for strengthening ties with fellow member states. Marcos has so far conducted bilateral talks with leaders from Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Roque confirmed the Philippines is using these meetings to enhance cooperation, open market access for Filipino products, and build stronger economic linkages within the region.

During the summit, President Marcos also advocated for the adoption of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and called for measured responses to the United States’ recent tariff policies.