CLARK FREEPORT—Programs and projects geared toward preparing small businesses for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, otherwise known as the digital economy, will now be implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or the digital economy, is changing our lives in ways we’ve never imagine,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said during the opening of the National MSME Summit 2018 last week.
“Our MSMEs [micro small and medium enterprises] must face and understand new jargons and challenges, such as the fusion of technologies and emergence of innovation in areas that are taking us by surprise, including robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, nanotechnology, quantum computing and biotechnology,” Lopez said. To prepare MSMEs, Lopez said the DTI and its partners in the government and private sectors are strengthening structures for their assistance through Ease of Doing Business and Negosyo Centers; more funds for inclusive financing through Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso; and leveled-up mentoring support through Kapatid Mentor Me Program.
“Also, we expanded the reach of technology and innovation support through shared service facilities and mainstreaming them in the domestic market through Go Lokal stores,” he added.