Manila – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque is set to embark on her first official international trip since taking office, with a focus on promoting Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to Philippines News Agency, Roque announced her plans to travel to Japan on September 11 to inaugurate the pilot DTI Bagong Pilipinas retail store. This initiative aims to showcase Philippine-made products in key international markets, starting with stores in Tokyo and Osaka. “Remember that I said we will be opening stores in all the Philippine embassies all over the world. So tomorrow, we will fly to Tokyo for the first store. It will be in Tokyo and Osaka. So MSME products will be put now in stores of Tokyo and Osaka,” Roque stated.
During her visit, Roque, who also serves as the Undersecretary for MSME Development, plans to meet with Japanese companies to discuss opportunities for international trade aimed at promoting products from Filipino and Japanese SMEs. This marks a first-of-its-kind initiative for the country, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Filipino and Japanese business sectors.
Additionally, Roque will follow up on investment pledges from Japanese firms interested in expanding their operations in the Philippines. “There are some dealings in the work for us to explore. That will also be part of our agenda,” Roque added.
This trip highlights the DTI’s strategic focus on enhancing the global presence of Filipino businesses and strengthening economic ties between the Philippines and Japan.