Makati City— In his closing remarks during the second and last day session of the Pilipinas Conference 2022 held on 22 November 2022 at the Ayala Museum, Trade Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized the critical role of the private sector as the government’s partner in nation-building and in achieving the country’s inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“The private sector is an engine of economic growth and is also a crucial partner in achieving the country’s green, sustainable, and inclusive development”, Secretary Pascual said.

The Trade Chief also tackled some of the Department’s initiatives that promote not just public-private sector partnership but whole-of-society collaboration to achieve shared prosperity for all.

“To help small businesses, including large businesses improve their technological situations, we are adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. In partnership with UnionBank and Global Learning Solutions, we launched the Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research in Laguna back in September. This AI Research Center is a hub where data scientists and researchers can perform collaborative AI Research and Development (R&D). This Center helps mainly small businesses”, he added.

Further, Secretary Pascual highlighted the importance of gearing the Philippines’ micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) toward Science, Technology, and Innovation and linking them to large corporations to address gaps in local and global value chains.

In closing, the Trade Chief acknowledged the solid commitment of the private sector in promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth and development, and looked forward to more years of fruitful collaboration with them in nation-building.♦

Date of Release: 23 November 2022