The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is exploring a partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) aimed at boosting job creation and workforce resilience in the Philippines.

In a statement, the DTI said this potential collaboration “promises to unlock new opportunities and empower the local workforce to excel in a rapidly evolving economic landscape”.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque held a dialogue on this prospect with Till Leopold, WEF Head of Work Wages and Job Creation, at the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting at Davos, Switzerland.

“This collaboration holds the promise of a brighter future for the Philippines, where innovative solutions and strategic partnerships pave the way for a future-ready Philippine workforce,” she said.

During the meeting, Roque also reaffirmed the government’s continued cooperation with the WEF’s Jobs Accelerator initiative.

Signed in December of 2023, this joint effort focuses on digital skills development and high quality opportunities for job-seekers.

The DTI chief noted that this initiative can also drive growth in key sectors of the country, such as semiconductors and electronics, business process outsourcing (BPO), and critical minerals.  

Roque’s meeting with the WEF likewise included a discussion about the organization’s recently launched Future of Jobs Report.

She said the report’s findings are crucial for shaping policies that will equip the local workforce with the necessary skills to navigate and excel in a job market centered around digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The WEF’s study presented survey data detailing the expectations of the world’s biggest employers about how certain macrotrends are transforming the global workforce.

The report noted that the broadening digital access and advancements in AI and information processing are among the most transformative trends this year.

E-commerce expansion

Roque, in a separate statement, said she has also met with financial technology giant PayPal at the sidelines of the WEF.

The trade secretary said she urged the company to expand its presence and integration with local e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces.

PayPal is expected to facilitate seamless transactions for Filipino businesses and consumers, she said.

According to the DTI, the meeting explored strategic collaborations that seeks to enhance the digital financial inclusion of Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve their access to cross-border trade opportunities.

“This marks an exciting opportunity as both parties look forward to pioneering innovative collaborations that will drive economic growth and empower MSMEs in the Philippines,” the agency said.