The United States, which is expected to bolster its economic relationship with the Philippines under Marcos administration, has expressed its support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as it recognized its importance in the economic recovery from Covid-19 crisis.

During the Go Negosyo launching of Kapatid Angat Lahat program at the Manila Hotel on Friday, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson assured Filipino business owners of the US' support to help them "recover and transform from the pandemic-induced slowdown."

She gave the assurance as she asserted that "running an MSME has never been an easy task," considering that "the Covid-19 pandemic certainly increased the level of difficulty for leaders of these enterprises."

"What is so impressive to me is that despite these challenges we have seen Filipino entrepreneurs and business owners persevere and prosper through ingenuity, drive and sheer grit," she said.

Carlson said the US knows that "targeted support for small businesses is a critical part of the pandemic response because it bolsters the hard work you are already putting into your enterprises."

In fact, the US, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), already extended assistance to Filipino MSMEs by offering digital economy as well as microgrants.

She called for Filipino MSMEs to "be at the forefront of our response to the collective impacts of the pandemic, the climate crisis" as well as other because "MSMEs are the backbone of a Philippine economy."

"As your enduring friend, partner and ally, the United States is honored to collaborate with the government and the people of the Philippines to support micro, small, medium businesses so they can continue to grow and propel the country's economic transformation," she ended.