54 PH businesses to join Asean e-commerce showcase

MANILA  -The Philippines is set to field at least 54 local businesses in the annual Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) e-commerce showcase in Indonesia this month, giving them the opportunity to tap overseas markets.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is spearheading the Philippines’ participation, said that the Asean Online Sale Day (AOSD) 2023 scheduled on Aug. 8 to Aug. 22 would bring together businesses, marketplaces and platforms selling goods and services online across the region.

The DTI said the event would promote cross-border trade and economic collaboration, while giving consumers across the region access to goods and services from different overseas markets.

Aside from the Philippines, the other countries participating in the event—which is now on its fourth year—are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the DTI, the Philippines has fielded the greatest number of participating businesses in the AOSD since 2020, with 120 local e-commerce businesses joining during that year.

The government agency said that these participating companies represented a wide range of sectors, including the food and beverage industry, as well as those in travel and tourism, fashion, e-marketplaces, consumer goods, handicrafts and home and living.

In-person event

It added that these micro, small and medium enterprises were showcasing their products ranging from snacks, fresh produce, chocolates, coffee and condiments, to cosmetics, woven items and home decor.

Further, the DTI is inviting Philippine businesses to join the physical event in Semarang, Indonesia from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.“At this in-person event, Filipino businesses can showcase their products, collaborate with other businesses and engage with potential customers directly at the assigned country booths,” said the DTI.

“Participating businesses in the physical AOSD may also participate in other components of the onsite activities, including an exclusive workshop on cross-border e-commerce and coaching sessions to help them access cross-border markets,” it said further. INQ