Informal Discussion on Trade, Gender and Innovation

GENEVA, 04 April 2023 –The Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the WTO hosted an informal lunch dialogue on Trade, Gender and Innovation with Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary (DTI) Rafaelita Aldaba and several Members of the WTO Trade and Gender Informal Working Group on 16 March 2023.

Undersecretary Aldaba, who leads the DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, shared the current industrialization strategies and innovation policies of the Philippines and highlighted examples of the contributions of women in the innovation sphere, particularly in startups. In addition, she shared the work of a startup in promoting artificial intelligence (AI) education among women. The Undersecretary also emphasized the significant role of gender- sensitive policies and strategies in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, women-owned businesses comprise 53% of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country, underscoring women's vital role in driving economic growth and development in the Philippines. 

Participants of the informal discussion shared their domestic experiences and recent developments in their trade practices and exchanged insights on how to address gender disparities and promote women's participation in trade and entrepreneurship. Participants also appreciated the presentation of Undersecretary Aldaba and expressed interest in having a follow-up session and bilateral dialogues to learn more about best practices and explore further cooperation with the Philippines. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Evan Garcia shared that mainstreaming the role of women is not a novel policy in the Philippines as evidenced by two (2) women Presidents leading the country. 

Overall, the Informal Lunch Dialogue on Trade, Gender and Innovation was an opportunity to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among countries and stakeholders towards promoting innovation, gender equality and inclusive economic growth. 

The Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender was established in March 2017 to focus on gender mainstreaming and the integration of gender perspective into trade policies and agreements, following a decision by the Committee on Trade and Development. The group is open to all WTO members and has over 120 participating members, including developed and developing countries. The Philippines has actively participated in the working group since its inception in 2017. END

For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinGeneva/, or https://www.instagram.com/phingeneva/.