PH pushes for e-commerce platform to assist MSMEs

The Philippines has called for the establishment of an e-commerce platform to be used by micro, small, and medium sized enterprises, to facilitate trade across member-economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec).

Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said the proposed platform would go a long way in helping MSME access regional and global value chains.

“The idea is that customs rules, procedures, regulations, and rules of origin, among others, will already be embedded in that platform. The MSMEs usually face difficulties in exporting because they don’t know all these rules. So providing this e-commerce platform will make it easier for them when they book their sales as they will be readily informed of what will be needed,” Domingo explained.

The trade chief said the idea was for APEC to work with established platforms such as Amazon or Alibaba, which could host a special module specifically for MSMEs.

“We have to find a provider of such services and we can ride on existing systems,” Domingo added.

Another proposal being considered is for shipments worth a maximum of $2,000 to be exempted from the rules of origin requirements, to make it easier for small enterprises to export their goods.

“What we want is for the APEC to support these specific initiatives at the global platform so that more economies can participate in this effort,” Domingo said.

The Philippines has declared that it will put the global spotlight on MSMEs as it hosts the APEC meetings this year that will bring together some of the most influential figures in the global business and political communities.

Domingo said that MSMEs needed help to participate in regional trade so that more people would feel the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs).

This is also why there is a “very deliberate effort from the government to bring the meetings to the regions” this year.

Aside from Manila, Apec meetings are also being held in Legazpi, Clark, Bataan, Boracay, Bacolod, Iloilio, Tagaytay, and Cebu, as part of the Philippine government’s strategy to create growth opportunities for SMEs, many of which operate in the provinces.

The trade chief added that the government’s thrust toward inclusive growth can only be achieved if MSMEs are able to expand their markets.

This way, more livelihood will be created not only in the cities and urban areas, but also in rural areas.