The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), successfully hosted the National Dissemination Seminar on the ASEAN SME Policy Index (ASPI) 2024 on February 11, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Makati City. The event aimed to enhance policies and programs supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.
The seminar gathered key stakeholders, including officials from the MSME Development (MSMED) Council, various national government agencies, local authorities, private sector representatives, and development partners. Notable participants included experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the ASEAN Secretariat.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque’s strategic vision for advancing MSME development was a key focus of the event. In her absence, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group emphasized the importance of data-driven policymaking and enhanced regional cooperation to boost MSME support.
“The ASPI is one of the most valuable tools we have,” said Undersecretary Lantayona. “It provides us with a comprehensive overview of our standing not just within the Philippines, but in the context of the ASEAN region. It helps identify strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement, allowing us to base our decisions on evidence rather than assumptions.”
The seminar featured in-depth presentations by Mr. Max Bulakovskiy and Mr. Hans Koger of the OECD, who outlined how the ASPI serves as an invaluable tool for identifying policy gaps and aligning national strategies with ASEAN’s objectives to foster MSME growth and competitiveness.
The event also focused on two critical policy areas: SME Greening and SME Digitalization. International experts shared best practices on encouraging environmentally sustainable business practices and promoting digital transformation within the MSME sector. Participants actively engaged in discussions, exploring practical measures for integrating these strategies into the Philippine context.
In closing remarks, Mr. Ea Hai Khov of the ASEAN Secretariat reiterated the region’s commitment to supporting inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven MSME development, underscoring the collaborative efforts needed across ASEAN member states to achieve these goals.
This seminar marks another important step in strengthening the MSME sector in the Philippines, aligning local initiatives with regional goals, and fostering greater collaboration to empower businesses for a sustainable and competitive future.
