Manila City, Philippines — On December 3, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque hosted a welcome dinner for World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the occasion of her first visit to the Philippines.

This landmark event marked the start of a series of high-level engagements during Director-General’s visit, aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening the relationship between the WTO and the Philippines.

During the occasion, DTI Secretary Roque showcased the country’s significant role in facilitating inclusive trade policies, promoting sustainable economic growth, and fostering innovation.

“The WTO continues to be a key platform in our nation’s drive for global competitiveness, with a particular focus on empowering local businesses. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s visit demonstrates the critical need for collaboration with international leaders to shape policies that are equitable, forward-thinking, and innovation-centered,” she noted.

As part of the discussions, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala provided updates on the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, which was launched earlier this year at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.

The WEIDE Fund seeks to support women entrepreneurs in developing and least-developed countries by enhancing their access to digital technologies and expanding their online business presence.

The welcome dinner brought together WTO and DTI officials, alongside notable Filipino women entrepreneurs who exchanged insights about strategies for building equitable global trade frameworks. In the dialogue, the attendees affirmed their commitment to further empower Filipino entrepreneurs while implementing measures that accelerate their success on the global stage.

Moreover, officials in attendance vowed to advance regulations on inclusiveness and digital innovation to uplift domestic enterprises. In addition, Filipino businessmen also contributed practical insights based on their experiences in navigating both the local and foreign markets.

For her part, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala recognized the Philippines’ involvement in the multilateral trading system and its proactive national initiatives, which are critical to level the playing field for underrepresented groups. ♦

Date of release: 12 December 2024

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