DTI Secretary Promotes Investments and Entrepreneurship in SG
Secretary Lopez delivers the ASEAN Ministerial Keynote Speech during the ASEAN Conference 2017 organized by the Singapore Business Federation at the Marina Bay Sands.
08 May 2017 SINGAPORE — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez participated in back-to-back activities in Singapore last May 04 as part of efforts to promote investments to PH and the rest of ASEAN, as well as to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos in Singapore.
Secretary Lopez delivered the ASEAN Ministerial Keynote Speech at the ASEAN Conference 2017 hosted by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) at the Marina Bay Sands. The event brought together key ASEAN government officials and prominent business leaders from some of the world’s top multinational brands and high-growth companies to share their insights and strategies for the region.
In his speech, Secretary Lopez shared his insights on the ASEAN region, the priorities of PH’s chairmanship, and the impact on the economic performance and integration agenda in the region.
“Further to steering the ASEAN to full economic integration through greater trade and investment among fellow ASEAN Members States, the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, prioritizes inclusive, innovation-led growth by championing the mandate of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” Secretary Lopez said.
This includes deliverables geared towards supporting MSMEs through policies that ease the cost of doing business and through support activities that nurture their continuous growth.
Secretary Lopez also recognized the importance of public-private sector engagement in the pursuit of the goals of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
The Secretary also attended the luncheon event hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (EuroCham) at the Conrad Hotel to celebrate the 67th Anniversary of EU Day where he emphasized the common goals of ASEAN and EU in bringing neighboring countries closer by strengthening cooperation on many fronts.
He also encouraged EU investors to explore access to the growing ASEAN market and take advantage of the ongoing economic integration efforts as ASEAN-EU ties currently mark its 40th year.
The day concluded with a simple dinner reception hosted by Philippine Embassy in Singapore at the Official Residence, where Secretary Lopez met and interacted with members of the Filipino community involved in entrepreneurship and financial management.
Representatives of various skills training providers (i.e., Ateneo School of Government’s Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship program, ASKI Global, AIMS Learning International, and the Master’s Training International), private companies actively involved in this advocacy (i.e., PLDT, LBC, iRemit, BDO Unibank), and Filipino community organizations (i.e., The Global Filipino Investors, Filipino Entrepreneurs in Singapore or FILTREPS) discussed with Secretary Lopez the establishment of a ‘Negosyo Alliance’ to further strengthen efforts to promote entrepreneurship among Filipinos in Singapore.
For more information, visit www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippine-embassy.org.sg or https://www.facebook.com/SingaporePE. END
DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez pose together with the officers of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and members of the Filipino community who attended the dinner reception held at the Official Residence.