DTI's Go Lokal! stores support over 800 MSMEs

Micro-small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) got a boost from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s Go Lokal! Concept Store, Dano Tingcungco reported on “24 Oras” on Monday.

DTI said MSMEs would need assistance in various aspects to flourish.

Around 859 MSMEs were assisted by the program, of which more than half are now regular suppliers in big retail stores.

“They need a lot of help. Some of them start with a really good product idea,” said DTI Trade Promotions Group officer-in-charge Glenn Penaranda.

“Kami sa DTI, we're trying to develop what we call a concierge of services. Looking at what the enterprises will need. Kung development, meron naman tayo 'yung ating regional offices atsaka 'yung product development and design center,” he said.

(We're trying to develop what we call a concierge of services. Looking at what the enterprises will need. For development, we have our regional offices and product development and design center.)

First launched in 2016, the Go Lokal! Concept Store is a  year-round trade fair where local businesses can test the marketability of their products without additional expenses.

DTI said there are currently 156 concept stores in the country including the newly-opened establishment in their main office in Makati City.

“With the DTI's Go Lokal! Program, they can test the marketability of their products without the risk of incurring costs in rent,” said DTI Office of Secretary chief-of-staff Ana Carolina Sanchez.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News