Small enterprises are expected to get a boost in market reach after the government launched its first e-commerce platform that will feature goods produced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and of Science and Techonology (DOST) on Thursday launched an online platform where MSMEs can sell their products. The joint project, dubbed OneSTore.ph, aims to expand the market reach of small enterprises, as well as easing their way of reaching customers.
The OneSTore.ph is the government’s first-ever e-commerce platform. The project is part of the trade department’s intensified commitment to bolster the capabilities of MSMEs to access the mainstream market.
The agreement between the two agencies will allow small enterprises to make use of OnesTore.ph through Negosyo Centers. It will also give Negosyo Centers access to clients of the DOST.
The online platform will also allow clients to display and dispatch their products with its payment and logistic partners through an Internet-based hub managed by the government.
This hub, dubbed as the One Town, One Product Philippines, is an intervention with the objective of improving the products of local communities and drive inclusive growth within their areas.
As for the DOST, its main task is to develop and maintain OneSTore.ph to ensure the smooth flow of transactions in the platform. It is also mandated to identify products for product-development initiatives, including improvements in packaging and labeling, subsidy or discounts in testing fees, equipment support, such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, and strengthen research and development efforts.
In a speech, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the DTI is bent on boosting the capacity of MSMEs. “Today’s signing of MOA to deepen the collaboration between [the] DTI and DOST [is intended] to attain this goal,” he said.
He added this is part of the DTI’s “comprehensive, whole-of-government approach with DOST also having their own complementary programs to support MSMEs.” As ordered by President Duterte, MSMEs will continue to recieve backing from the DTI, the trade chief reassured.
