The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DHL Group Philippines to improve the export readiness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing logistics advisory support and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The agreement was finalized on Wednesday, September 10, by DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte and DHL Group representatives Nigel Lockett, country Managing Director DHL Express Philippines, Yvonne Lee, Managing Director DHL Global Forwarding Philippines, and Bevan Williams, country Managing Director DHL Supply Chain Philippines.
Under the partnership, DHL will deliver end-to-end trade solutions through its three business units: international express shipping and customs facilitation via DHL Express, air and ocean freight forwarding through DHL Global Forwarding, and contract logistics and warehouse management under DHL Supply Chain.
The signing ceremony coincided with Usapang Exports: Export 101 – Your Guide to Going Global with DHL Group, an information session for food exporters at the DHL Ortigas Service Center, Pasig City. The session offered practical advice on navigating the trade processes and tapping logistics solutions to access overseas markets.
The information session and MOU signing also kick off a series of activities under DHL GoTrade and SME Capacity Building Program. These will include training workshops, consultations, and market intelligence sharing to equip Filipino exporters with the knowledge and tools needed to compete globally.
“Our exporters, especially MSMEs, face many hurdles in going global, not just in producing quality products but also in navigating logistics, customs, and compliance requirements. This partnership with DHL gives them a direct line to the knowledge, tools, and network they need to compete abroad,” said Director Sykimte.
Sykimte said that with DHL’s expertise, DTI can help MSMEs adapt to greener logistics solutions and digital tools that make cross-border trade more efficient. “This ensures that our exporters are not only keeping pace with global trends but are also contributing to more resilient and responsible trade practices,” she said.
Nigel Lockett reaffirmed the Group’s commitment, saying, “At DHL Group, we believe that every great product deserves a global audience.”
Lockett noted that Filipino MSMEs have the creativity, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit to thrive internationally—but they need the right support to overcome logistical and regulatory hurdles.
With its integrated capabilities, Lockett said they are built to meet the evolving needs of exporters and entrepreneurs.
