Next DTI Sec Pascual Identifies Five Priorities for His Term

The incoming Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual has established five areas he intends to prioritize during his term. 

During the turnover ceremony, Pascual identified the prioritization of promoting the manufacturing sector, developing MSMEs, attracting investments and expanding export markets, facilitating ease of doing business, and restructuring the organization. 

Pascual also mentions that he intends to expand MSMEs from micro to small, small to medium, and medium to large enterprises. 

He intends on making this possible through innovation, digital technology, linking MSMEs to supply chains, improving competitiveness, and developing regional industries. 

According to Pascual, MSMEs help address the food security problems of the country. 

Under his leadership, he promises to continue the projects of the past administrations of the DTI such as the One Town One Product, and Shared Service Facility programs. 

For the manufacturing sector, the incoming DTI head will continue the Manufacturing Resurgence Program and work on closing the gap in the supply chain for the local market.

 “(W)e will also encourage international pharmaceutical companies operating domestically to contract their manufacturing to local players,” says Pascual. 

Since we are still experiencing a pandemic, strengthening the pharmaceutical industry is also a target for Pascual. 

Aside from this, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries are likewise to be prioritized. 

“As you may know, the Philippines has the least number in terms of ASEAN countries that have signed FTAs with foreign countries. These agreements will diversify the country’s exports in terms of products and services and country destination, and enhance foreign investments,”  he says. 

Source: Philippine News Agency