GEPTY
ILOILO CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty is optimistic that hosting economic meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will bring more investments here and the province of Iloilo.
“This is a good opportunity to show that Iloilo can be a good investment hub for strategic sectors in the country,” said Gepty.
Iloilo hosted discussions on ASEAN Economic Security: Context, Considerations, and Challenges on Wednesday while the 49th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration wraps up on Friday, Feb. 27.
Gepty said that new investments from ASEAN member-states and external partners can generate more jobs and more economic activities.
With the digital economy as one of the top priorities, Gepty noted that Iloilo may be able to seal a new trade deals in the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry. Another is boosting exports for the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“It showcases that Iloilo can be integrated into the global value chain by exporting products to other countries outside of Southeast Asia,” Gepty added.
The ASEAN hosting can benefit other provinces in Western Visayas that has by-products from natural sources, including herbal teas and piña fabric in Aklan.
After Iloilo, the ASEAN meetings will be held in Boracay Island in Aklan province from March 11 to 12.