DTI official pushes for stronger Philippine-UAE trade relations

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque at Sari-Sari Store in Dubai on October 3, 2024. EXPAT MEDIA

In a bid to strengthen trade ties between the Philippines and the UAE, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque made an official visit to Dubai this week. Roque’s agenda included high-level meetings with UAE trade officials in Abu Dhabi, followed by her attendance at a Filipino pop-up event in Dubai on Thursday (October 3). Speaking to Expat Media, Roque highlighted the DTI's three key focus areas: trade and investment, consumer protection, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development. “We had a very fruitful meeting with the UAE Trade Minister. We’re exploring ways to increase trade, which would provide jobs to Filipinos and boost our economy,” she said. Roque also emphasized the importance of consumer protection, particularly in regulating imported goods and ensuring they meet Philippine standards. "We protect consumers from substandard products and ensure foreign products meet our standards before entering the market," she explained. The DTI’s third focus is on MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) development, a sector that makes up 99 percent of business establishments in the Philippines and employs 60 percent of the workforce. “MSMEs are critical to our economy, and we are committed to their growth,” Roque added. As trade relations between the Philippines and the UAE continue to evolve, Roque’s visit marks a significant step in fostering economic cooperation between the two nations. ICA/Expat Media