In line with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) advocacy to bring small businesses in the front and center of global and regional trade, the Philippine mission to the World Trade Organization (PMWTO) submitted two documents on “Fostering the Participation of MSMEs in Regional and Global Markets.”  The first submission in July provided the rationale for starting a conversation that includes micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as highlighting the opportunities available to the WTO and its members to further strengthen linkages within the WTO discussions on aspects of MSMEs and existing linkages with other international organizations such as UNCTAD, ITC, and the World Bank Group.  The second submission provides a draft ministerial statement for the 10^th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya from 15-18 December. 

The WTO Ministerial Conference is held every two years and the Philippines has been an advocate of the SME sector in these high-level meetings. At the 8^th Ministerial Conference held in 2011, the Philippines has urged the WTO to prioritize small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the ongoing trade talks as they are most vulnerable to market uncertainties.  Similarly at the 9^th Ministerial Conference, the Bali Package, which the Philippines negotiated, was designed to streamline trade and benefit the Philippines’ SMEs, particularly exporters. 

DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo’s participation at the recently held WTO Public Forum has stimulated the discussion on the growing importance of MSMEs in trade. Domingo was part of the WTO Public Forum Plenary Session on “Making Trade Work for Business” together with WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo, and private sector representatives. The debate particularly focused on the relationship between trade and business, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and agribusiness.