Moving to fortify international alliances and solidify economic resilience, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently hosted a high-level courtesy visit with senior officials from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
DTI Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group (ROG) officially welcomed OECD Deputy Secretary-General Yasushi Masaki and Mr. Alexander Böhmer, Head of the South and Southeast Asia Division of the OECD Global Relations and Cooperation Directorate. The strategic meeting underscored a mutual commitment to driving inclusive economic growth across the region.
Joining Undersecretary Lantayona to represent the Philippines’ small business interests were Director Cynthia C. Dela Cruz and Mr. Dinki Cyrus L. Belen of the DTI Bureau of SME Development (BSMED).
A primary focal point of the diplomatic dialogue was the Philippines’ upcoming hosting of the ASEAN Summit in 2026. The DTI delegation presented a comprehensive roadmap of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME)-focused initiatives and strategic activities scheduled for the remainder of the year. These initiatives are designed to position regional small businesses at the forefront of the ASEAN economic agenda.
“Our upcoming ASEAN hosting is a pivotal opportunity to champion the integration of our MSMEs into the global value chain,” noted Undersecretary Lantayona. “Collaborating with esteemed global institutions like the OECD ensures our framework is backed by international best practices.”
Beyond summit preparations, the leaders engaged in a timely exchange of insights regarding an ongoing OECD study examining the economic impacts of the Middle East crisis on ASEAN Member States. The discussion highlighted the need for proactive risk management, robust supply chain strategies, and tailored support mechanisms to shield vulnerable smaller enterprises from external geopolitical shocks.
The meeting concluded with both delegations exploring concrete pathways for future bilateral cooperation and joint programs between the OECD and the Philippine government. Potential areas of collaboration include:
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Data Sharing & Research: Leveraging OECD data to refine local enterprise development policies.
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Capacity Building: Designing targeted programs to accelerate digital transformation among Filipino MSMEs.
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Policy Alignment: Upgrading local frameworks to meet international standards of competitiveness.
This engagement strongly reaffirms the DTI’s unwavering commitment to fostering powerful international partnerships. By building bridges with global economic bodies like the OECD, the DTI continues to pave the way for a more resilient, innovative, and globally competitive Filipino MSME sector.
