Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque affirmed that the government is committed to enhancing its partnership with the private sector, pointing out its significance in driving economic growth.

In a keynote address before a crowd of business leaders, Roque said the synergy between the public and private sector is “more critical than ever” amid global challenges and rapid transformation.

“A robust partnership between the private and the public sector is the key to unlocking the nation’s full economic potential and achieve the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),” she said during the 2025 CEO Awards on Monday evening, Jan. 27.

The Trade Secretary said she envisions an inclusive and resilient Philippines that empowers every Filipino to enjoy a high quality of life.

As head of the agency overseeing management, regulation, and growth of the country’s industries and trade, Roque vowed to usher in more foreign investments into the country.

She specifically identified certain “innovative investments” that not only generates income for the government but also provides consistent job creation.

Roque said having more employment opportunities in the country would allow most Filipinos working abroad to “actually go home and be with their families”.

“We realized the importance of a family for every child that grows up, so this is something that we are really looking on,” she added.

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are over two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

At the same time, Roque said the Marcos administration is also firm in its vision of creating a conducive environment for business to thrive.

She recalled that during the recently concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland, several businesses shared their interest in investing in the country.

During the global forum, the DTI chief met with the likes of PayPal, Shein, AstraZeneca, A.P. Moller-Maersk, and Cognizant.

Strengthening consumer protection, MSMEs

In her speech, Roque also vowed the DTI’s focus on ensuring consumer protection and maintaining fair trade.

For instance, she noted that there are several unauthorized products that are coming in the country which affects the local manufacturing industry.

Last year, the agency tapped law enforcement agencies for a stricter monitoring of illegal products, particularly for those considered critical consumer products such as steel bars, cement, vape, tires for automotive vehicles, and household appliances.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of our consumers. This involves strengthening consumer education and awareness program, enforcing fair trade practices, and ensuring product safety and quality,” said Roque.

The DTI chief emphasized that a stronger relationship between the public and private sectors can also be beneficial for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Based on DTI data, MSMEs comprises 99.5 percent of the business establishments in the Philippines. Additionally, it also accounts for 62 percent of the workforce.

“The MSMEs are the back bone of our economy and we will continue to empower them through access to financing, mentorship, and market opportunities,” she continued.

Roque told business leaders that the DTI is ready to help businesses “in every step of the way”, noting that a whole-of-government approach is present in every industry present in the country.

“Together, let us usher in the journey towards a stronger public and private partnership,” she concluded.