As for the young entrepreneurs, ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council, led by its chair Rommel Gerodias, will host the 2nd ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival which will harness the network of young entrepreneurs in the region in the industries of food, agriculture, information technology, logistics, business process outsourcing, start-ups, and Internet of Things (IOT).

Another ASEAN MSME Summit will be held in November which will feature inspiring MSMEs who have benefited from the mentoring program of the DTI and Go Negosyo and other partner agencies. This year, we are launching more Mentor ME programs in different Negosyo Centers in the provinces which will then equip more micro and small entrepreneurs with the needed business techniques and knowhow.

Other programs of the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion are the following: ASEAN Creative Cities Forum and Exhibit which will showcase innovation, creativity, and culture; ASEAN International Food Exposition Philippines which will feature best food brands of the ASEAN countries and partner nations; Creative Marketplace; and Slingshot ASEAN which will create an ecosystem of start-ups, mentors, angel investors, incubators, academe, and industry experts.

I shared during the launch, “This year, ASEAN turns 50 years. It is indeed a milestone. But in the end, a milestone has to achieve certain objectives for the greater welfare, not only of the Filipino people, but of all the ten ASEAN countries. Ten years ago, the Philippines hosted ASEAN. My father then was the head of the ASEAN BAC and Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the president at that time and the event was held in Cebu. In the past 10 years, the Philippines has been on a quest for a solution towards the greatest problem of our nation, which is poverty. That is why the ASEAN BAC adopted “Partnering for Change, Prosperity for All. That to me, will really put meaning in the ASEAN as we turn 50 years. We cannot achieve prosperity just for the few. Our President’s principle is equalized by his passion for change which has to happen in the next six years. We are counting on our nine ASEAN brother nations to provide the valuable insights and advice and mentors to be able to help the Philippines in reducing the poverty level. Many of our youth are looking towards a brighter future. We have countless of Filipinos people moving overseas to seek better opportunities, better pay, and a better future. This has to change. We must promise them a great future in our country. So prosperity for all will really bring about greater meaning to our ASEAN 50 this year.”

President Duterte, who has been very vocal in helping micro and small entrepreneurs, stressed on creating prosperity in the region. “Our ASEAN today presents many real opportunities for investments to grow, for investors within and outside our region. ASEAN needs to sustain its momentum towards inclusive growth, ensure businesses and industries continue to thrive, and secure a policy that supports meaningful economic change and reform.”

President Duterte also encouraged business leaders to tap the MSMEs and integrate them in the national and regional value chain.

Together, let us partner for change!