ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 16 (PNA) -– The Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) will take center stage as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to conduct a two-day Zamboanga Peninsula (Zampen) SME Conference, capping the month-long observance of the SME Month.
Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said Thursday that the conference, which will be held from July 30-31, aims to further strengthen MSMEs in the region through government initiatives, and recognize their importance to the regional and national economy.
Jain said the conference also aims to bolster efforts to develop entrepreneurial mind set in the region by inspiring and enforcing entrepreneurship values among participating MSMEs through testimonials coming from successful home-grown entrepreneurs; and, to give due cognizance to the deserving MSMEs in the region through the SME Star Awards.
Jain said the Regional SME Conference will serve as a venue for the discussion of the latest policy direction and updates in the county’s MSME development agenda.
The activity will also recognize the most active member-agencies of the Zamboanga Peninsula SME Core Group, according to Jain.
She said the ZAMPEN SME Conference will be participated in by the Provincial SME Development Councils, the ZAMPEN SME Core Group, the academe, industry players, and the media.
The Regional SME Conference with the theme “Local Market Now; Global Market Next” will also feature lectures and panel discussions on four thematic components of SME Development, namely, Access to Market, Access to Finance, Productivity and Efficiency, and Business Investment and Enabling Environment.
Jain said that topics on the ASEAN Economic Community, the European Union-Generalized Scheme of Preference (EU-GSP+), and other export markets will also be discussed, including domestic market opportunities and assistance to MSMEs, and other pertinent policies as well as issues and concerns besetting exporters and MSMEs.
Also part of the two-day activity is the launching of the fourth Negosyo Center in Zamboanga Peninsula located at the DTI-Zamboanga City Office, with Senators Benigno Aquino IV and Cynthia Villar, and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo as guests. (PNA)