International Trade Centre (ITC) programs have generated more than USD200 million in business and investment leads for Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting how targeted trade assistance is helping local firms break into global markets despite an increasingly uncertain trading environment.
Speaking at the 60th Session of the Joint Advisory Group of the ITC at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva, Philippine Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee said the partnership has produced measurable gains in export readiness, enterprise competitiveness, and investment opportunities.
“ITC’s work in the Philippines has helped strengthen MSME competitiveness, generating more than USD200 million in combined business and investment leads, reaching over 16,000 participants through training and outreach, and helping supported enterprises gain greater confidence to export,” Teehankee said.
Beyond generating commercial opportunities, the ITC has helped build the country’s long-term trade capabilities by developing 150 nationally certified experts who can continue mentoring businesses and supporting export development initiatives.
The results come as the Philippines pushes to deepen MSME participation in regional and global value chains, recognizing that smaller enterprises remain the backbone of the domestic economy but continue to face hurdles in accessing foreign markets, financing, and digital trade opportunities.
Teehankee said the achievements complement the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026, where strengthening MSMEs has been identified as one of the bloc’s key economic deliverables.
Among Manila’s flagship initiatives is the proposed ASEAN Center of Excellence for MSMEs, envisioned as a regional hub for improving enterprise competitiveness, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting knowledge sharing, and accelerating businesses’ digital and green transformation across Southeast Asia.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with the World Trade Organization and the ITC to deliver more inclusive trade outcomes.
The latest figures underscore how international trade partnerships are increasingly becoming catalysts for business expansion, helping Philippine MSMEs move beyond the domestic market and compete on a larger global stage.
