EU-PH Trade Conference highlights the need of going green for small businesses

As part of the EU-DTI Arise Plus Philippines project, the first European Union (EU)-Philippines Conference on green transition and trade was held in Manila at the National Exporters’ Week.  

Under the theme, ‘The Green Transition: Opportunities and Challenges for Philippine MSMEs,’ the discussions at the conference highlighted the importance and impact of ‘going green’ for Philippine micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) exporting to the EU.  

International and national experts and practitioners raise awareness on the new agenda for sustainable growth of the EU, also called the ‘Green Deal’ during various sessions.

The event provided an introduction to the circular economy, deforestation-free products and carbon adjustment.  

Discussions focussed on the opportunities and challenges this Green agenda entails for Philippine exporters and MSMEs.  

“Having this ‘Green Deal’ session is an opportunity for the Philippine MSMEs to be informed of the importance of sustainable production in enabling them to access more diverse and high-value markets, especially the EU,” DTI-Trade Promotions Group (TPG) Assistant Secretary Glenn G. Peñaranda said.  

Philipp Dupuis, Minister Counsellor, Head of the Economic and Trade Section, Delegation of the EU to the Philippines, speaking on the occasion, said, “Conferences like the one today are essential to inform exporters in our partner countries about what the Green Deal is and how it can affect the requirements of their EU business partners have towards them.”  

Rajesh Aggarwal, Director – Division of Market Development, International Trade Centre, ARISE’s main implementer, said, “This conference will pave the way for enabling Philippine SMEs to become export competitive and make their mark in international trade. We are grateful to be part of this initiative from the EU and DTI.”  

As part of the efforts to mainstream and support women entrepreneurs, the event also officialised the institutionalization of the ITC-DTI SheTrades Hub in the Philippines.  

“With the institutionalization of the SheTrades Philippines Hub, the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau will work with ITC to further strengthen our country’s efforts in promoting women’s economic empowerment and lower or eliminate the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, at home and internationally, to foster a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” DTI-TPG Assistant Secretary Peñaranda added.