The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led by Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, will launch the ASEAN 2017 Business and Investment Program (ABIP) at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang on 24 January 2017.



”DTI as chair of the ASEAN Economic Minsters (AEM) and the chair for the Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP) will unveil several business programs for the year that will complement Philippines’ priorities under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Pillar,” said Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.



The CBIP, an inter-agency committee established by the Philippines’ 2017 ASEAN National Organizing Committee (ASEAN NOC), is responsible for engaging the international business community, investors, government and other parties; and in organizing, as well as supervising potential business and investment-related activities.



Among the six thematic priorities identified for Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN 2017, DTI is set to highlight efforts under the thematic priority “promoting inclusive, innovation-led growth, for shared prosperity in ASEAN”.



“Having AEC pillar in mind, CBIP developed business programs that will complement our regional effort in terms of regulatory coherence, promotion and internationalization of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), development of an innovation-driven economy, and promotion of women and youth entrepreneurship,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.



Key government agencies, representatives of ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council led by Presidential Adviser Joey Concepcion with DTI private sector partners, and representatives of ASEAN-dialogue partners are expected to come during the launch.



The Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 was formally launched on 15 January in SMX Convention Center in Davao City with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”