DTI taps DOST to help expand MSME reach

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to team up with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to help the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their market reach online.

The partnership will be undertaken through OneSTore.ph, the first government e-commerce platform dedicated to marketing high-quality MSME products through the worldwide web by “bringing quality products to Filipino doorsteps.”

“MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy. And as part of President Duterte’s whole-of-government approach to assist MSMEs, we are teaming up with DOST to impact the lives of more Filipino entrepreneurs,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

The DTI said the partnership seeks to intensify marketing capabilities of MSMEs to help them reach the mainstream market.

Under the agreement, DTI said it would promote the OneSTore.ph to MSMEs through Negosyo Centers as a platform where they can market their products online.

At the same time, DTI will make Negosyo Centers accessible to clients of DOST and allow clients to display and dispatch their products with its payment and logistic partners.

DOST, on the other hand, will develop and maintain OneSTore.ph as well as provide priority to jointly identified local products for product development initiatives including improvements in packaging and labeling, subsidy or discounts in testing fees, and equipment support.