Citing the world-class quality of Filipino-made products and the opportunities they present in the international market, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque urged small business owners to coordinate with the agency for the necessary support.

In her speech at the opening of the three-day Wedding Fair on Friday, Roque said the Marcos government has been consistently pushing to sell more Filipino products overseas.

She cited the growth of exports, which posted a record-high 15.4 percent last year.

She said export growth remains strong so far this year, partly attributed to Republic Act 11981 or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) law, which empowers local businesses and modernizes domestic industries.

“What does this rise in export tell us? That the products are now ready for the global space. So, for any of you here that want to explore the export market, the DTI is here to assist you as best and as aggressive as we can. That’s why I told them to stand up so that you can go to them,” she said.

Roque said the Philippine government’s 29 trade attachés around the world and DTI’s 21 offices overseas “hold the opportunities for you to be able to explore and to be able to make sure that you get to sell your products all over the world.”

She said electronics and auto parts remain the bulk of Philippine exports, but noted that the game changers are agricultural products like coconut, banana, pineapple, ube (purple yam), and calamansi, also known as calamondin, Philippine lime or Philippine lemon.

“So again, if you are in that industry, please feel free to coordinate with us. We will definitely make sure that we get things done. We are very proud of this and we are going to make sure that you can get your products out there as soon as possible,” she said. (PNA)