DTI, PJLI sign partnership to further promote ease of doing business and digital transformation

In response to the call of His Excellency, President ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on the adoption of a public-private partnership system to assist start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in growing their businesses, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Operations Group (ROG) through the Negosyo Center Program Management Unit (NC-PMU) kick-start the new year as the latter inked partnership with P.J. Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI) that will further promote ease of doing business in the post-pandemic and digital age.

The collaboration stipulates commitments towards the development of a digital platform to strengthen business information and advocacy.

Complementary to the Negosyo Centers’ role to provide access to DTI services such as Business Registration, the proposed project entitled “MSME Business and Shared Services Center” will serve as a website that will assist MSMEs on their business needs such as financing, micro-insurance, micro-investments, business advisory, and payment and settlement options. The said portal will be accessible in any web browser and in kiosks to be located in selected branches of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Usec. Lantayona expressed her support to PJLI in supporting MSME development through this digital initiative that will contribute to inclusive growth and aid the government in digitalizing its public services and processes. With the 1,355 Negosyo Centers established all over the country as of December 31, 2022, and the Negosyo Center Online Portal, the DTI-ROG chief firmly believes that the partnership will surely sail through.

Joining Usec. Lantayona in the MOU signing were DTI-Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development OIC-Director and Negosyo Center Program Manager Emma Asusano, P.J. Lhuillier Chief Finance Officer Filemon Cabungcal, PJLI’s Finance Business Management Partner Michael Contreras, and support staff.