Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced the upcoming launch of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) largest-ever marketplace, dubbed “DTI B2B,” during the Wholesale and Retail Trade Forum 2024.
Designed primarily for wholesale transactions, the platform aims to boost local and international trade for Filipino-made products.
“This is strictly for wholesale business—six pieces and above—targeting individuals and enterprises that want to scale up, whether starting small or aiming for large-scale operations,” Roque said Monday.
DTI B2B is envisioned to function similarly to global platforms like Alibaba, serving as a gateway for locally manufactured and homegrown products to reach both domestic and international markets.
“This platform will serve as the avenue for Philippine products, encouraging businesses at home and internationally. It will be a significant boost for our economy,” Roque said, adding that the platform’s official launch is tentatively scheduled for January 2025.
Roque also lauded the collaboration between the public and private sectors in crafting a roadmap aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
She emphasized the critical role of wholesale and retail trade in the economy, citing its contributions to employment, GDP, and innovation.
She urged businesses to explore the CREATE MORE Act, recently signed into law, as it offers incentives not only for exporters but also for local distributors.
“This is a game-changer for businesses, providing opportunities for both foreign and local markets. It’s not just for manufacturers looking to export; it also supports local distribution,” Roque said.
Acknowledging the sector’s challenges—including supply chain inefficiencies, smuggling, informal retail growth, and the need for workforce reskilling—Roque underscored the importance of resilience and innovation.
“Let’s focus on the silver lining. While challenges exist, there are always opportunities to grow and improve,” she said.
She emphasized that partnerships with organizations such as the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) play a pivotal role in empowering business owners to navigate the complexities of the retail and wholesale industries.
