DTI Partners With WomenBizPh to Promote FTA Utilization

(front, L-R: Undersecretary Allan Gepty, DTI-International Trade Policy Group; DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual; Mylene Abiva, WomenBizPH Chairperson; and Ut Rafael, WomenBizPH President)

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Women’s Business Council Philippines, Inc. (WomenBizPh) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on January 25 to promote awareness on the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), with the end view of increasing the country’s utilization of these preferential arrangements. 

Lauding the support of WomenBizPH on the trade education and advocacy campaign, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said, “Our MOU is a tangible step toward creating globally competitive and innovative industries in our county. By intensifying our trade education and advocacy efforts, we hope to prepare our stakeholders better and fully inform business owners and entrepreneurs about the opportunities these trade agreements and other preferential arrangements present.”

Under the MOU, the WomenBizPh will collaborate with the DTI in the conduct of information and education campaigns which will include capacity-building workshops and mentorship programs.

According to WomenBizPH Chairperson Mylene Abiva, the collaboration with the DTI marks a significant milestone as the Philippines embarks on a journey to promote women economic empowerment. 

WomenBizPh has always been the DTI’s partner in empowering women in the Philippines especially in the aspect of business. Composed of the Philippines’ top women business leaders and entrepreneurs, the partnership is strategic in the DTI’s efforts to promote the utilization of FTAs and other preferential trade arrangements. The organization’s enthusiasm is also reflected by their designation as “Women Ambassadors of RCEP.” 

Based on Grant Thornton’s 2023 Women in Business (WIB) report, nearly half or 49% of senior management roles are held by women, thus making the partnership ideal in bringing awareness to the stakeholders on the value and importance of FTAs. 

With the entry into force of the RCEP on June 2 and the signing of the Philippines-South Korea FTA on September 7, both last year, the partnership is timely to promote the country’s FTAs and maximize the opportunities secured in these trade agreements.