New DTI head assures businessmen

Trade and Industry Senior Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino, who was designated Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) following the resignation of DTI Secretary Juan B. Santos last Friday, assured yesterday the business community that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would continue with its work of enabling players in the country to grow and do their businesses competitively, backed by a quality cadre of DTI professionals that are dedicated in implementing the department’s programs and projects.

"I am assuring our colleagues in the business sector and the rest of our important stakeholders that, the equally dedicated professionals in the Department will continue to nurture and drive businesses to operate in the global market competitively, towards attaining the country’s goals to strengthen its investments performance, increase healthy trade, generate more jobs for Filipinos especially in the countryside and protect the welfare of consumers," Aquino said.

Aquino’s appointment was welcomed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

According to PCCI president Donald Dee, Aquino’s appointment as OIC of the DTI provides continuity.

However, Dee said, the business community would wait and see what the new policies of Aquino would be.

More importantly, Dee said, the business community wants to see the policy direction of the Department of Finance following the resignation of Cesar V. Purisima and the designation of Roberto Tan as OIC.

Aquino is currently overseeing the International Trade Group, one of the DTI’s five major functional group that is responsible for promoting domestic and international trade and commerce.