(Eagle News) — Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said the country’s hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit is very significant to the Filipino people.
Lopez said that this year’s ASEAN Summit created stronger goodwill among world leaders that will transcend to other government officials.
“This gathering translates a good relationship and talks in the future in terms of trade and agreements,” Lopez said during an interview with Net 25’s Balita Agila Alas Dose.
Lopez also shared that the country’s hosting of the 50 years of ASEAN boosted the pride of the Filipino people.
He also said that leaders and other guests who attended the ASEAN Summit were pleased and amazed by the colorful design of the stages, grand performances during the event, and the intricate Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses worn by the head of states and their wives .
“How we hosted, bilib na bilib sila. They are all pleased with the entertainments, performances during the summit,” Lopez said.
“Lahat ng mga leaders, naging masaya at positibo sa mga inilatag na programa lalo na sa pangkalakalan,” he added.
When asked if there are trade barriers that have been resolved during the ASEAN Summit, Lopez said that resolving such barriers is still a long process. However, Lopez said that the benefit of the just concluded summit has triggered the process that will resolve this barriers.
“It’s a process, and a product of group work with the leaders and member that will not be resolved in one day meeting. They will review these technical barriers, will conduct inventory, reasons for these barriers,” Lopez said.
“The benefit of this summit was na-tri-trigger yung proseso. It will be an ongoing process that will continue up to next year. However, the instructions and mandate were already there.
During the ASEAN Summit, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he will fund the medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines because these types of businesses is an important sector that has a big contribution to the country’s economy.
“Next year, I would like to make some late changes in the GAA (General Appropriations Act), the annual budget. I would like to pour more money [into] this medium, small, and micro enterprise,” he said during the launch of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) business mentorship program.
“Maybe P50 billion each is okay?” he asked the audience.
“Really, it’s true. I will review the budget with Secretary Diokno and maybe if I can add more, I’ll ask Congress,” the President said.
Lopez then thanked the President, saying the P50-billion fund would be a big help and will benefit the MSMEs, although this amount is still not final.
“We are very happy. Dahil ang Php 50 billion na ilalaan ni Pangulong Duterte na pondo para sa mga MSMEs ay malaking tulong para sa kanilang pangnenegosyo,” Lopez said.
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