Philippines Champions Harnessing AI Tools to Further Integrate MSMEs into the Global Digital Economy
Ambassador Carmen Heidecke of the Permanent Mission of Germany to IOs at Geneva, Executive Director Andrea Ostheimer of Multilateral Dialogue Geneva, Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung, MEP President Jörgen Warborn of SME Global and Vice-Coordinator of INTA for European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the WTO, UNCTAD Chief of Investment Research Section Amelia Santos-Paulino, Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Permanent Mission of Barbados to the UN Office at Geneva, Director of Policy Luis Rodrigo Morales of International Organisation of Employers
GENEVA 18 September 2024 - At the 2024 WTO Public Forum, Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO, underscored the critical challenges and opportunities faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the digital economy. Ambassador Teehankee engaged with key partners and emphasized the role of digital transformation and policy frameworks in empowering MSMEs on the global stage.
Empowering SMEs through Digital Transformation
Ambassador Teehankee participated in a breakfast discussion titled “Empowering SMEs through Digital Transformation: Navigating the Impact of AI on SMEs in the Global Market,” co-organized by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and SME Global. The session explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping business models and expanding opportunities for MSMEs to increase their global market participation.
During the session, Ambassador Teehankee highlighted the challenges that MSMEs face in integrating AI into their operations, from technical adaptation to capitalizing on AI’s potential. He stressed the need for a strategic approach to optimizing AI technologies, which could significantly boost MSME competitiveness and help level the playing field in the global market. The Ambassador also emphasized the critical role digital transformation plays in fostering innovation and sustainable growth among MSMEs.
Addressing Digital Economy Policy Challenges
In a discussion with Digital Policy Alert, the world’s first public and independent repository of policy changes affecting the digital economy, Ambassador Teehankee addressed the policy challenges that affect both local and foreign businesses, with a focus on MSMEs navigating the digital economy. Digital Policy Alert, a project of the St. Gallen Endowment for Prosperity through Trade, is currently developing a comprehensive overview of the Philippines’ policy approaches in the digital sphere, intended to serve as a resource for policymakers, businesses, and researchers.
Ambassador Teehankee shared his insights on how evolving digital policies are shaping the future of MSMEs, pointing to the urgent need for balanced and supportive regulatory frameworks. He emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly digital environment that enables MSMEs to thrive, both domestically and globally. His contributions are expected to play a key role in informing the development of Digital Policy Alert’s knowledge tools that will support MSME integration into the digital economy.
About the 2024 Public Forum
The WTO Public Forum, the WTO’s premier consultative mechanism, brings together policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss the future of trade in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The 2024 Public Forum serves as a platform for global dialogue on pressing issues in trade and development. This year's theme, “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World,” features discussions on how digitalization can act as a catalyst for inclusive trade. END
Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee sharing his insights with Senior Digital Economic Policy Analyst Ms. Maria Buza of Digital Policy Alert
For more information, visit https://wtopm.dfa.gov.ph/