# Philippines Encourages MSMEs to Expand ASEAN Trade

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is actively promoting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their market reach into the ASEAN region by leveraging digital trade frameworks and upcoming free trade agreements. Key initiatives include the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to facilitate cross-border e-commerce and digital trade, and pending trade agreements with the EU, Canada, and Chile that will broaden export opportunities for Filipino MSMEs. This strategic push is designed to enhance market access and competitiveness for MSMEs through technology adoption and regional integration.

- The DTI's focus on digital trade via DEFA highlights growing procurement opportunities in e-commerce platforms, digital services, and trade facilitation technologies.
- Procurement professionals should consider how these trade agreements and digital frameworks may influence government-supported export programs and technology investments.
- Contractors and service providers specializing in digital infrastructure, trade compliance solutions, and market expansion services may find new opportunities supporting MSMEs' ASEAN market entry.
- Organizations involved in ASEAN regional trade initiatives should align strategies with DTI's priorities to leverage expanding digital trade corridors and regulatory harmonization.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- ASEAN-Business Advisory Council

### Key Quotes
> The e-commerce platform is very important for us to get our products across the country, but now if you want to sell to the entire ASEAN, which is a bigger market, then the DEFA is going to be very strategic and important for them.
> — Cristina Roque, Trade Secretary

### Sources
- [MSMEs urged to expand to ASEAN markets | ABS-CBN News](https://www.abs-cbnnews.com/news/business/2026/9/21/msmes-urged-to-expand-to-asean-markets-1551) - ABS-CBN