Manila, Philippines – The Department of Trade of Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has partnered with cross-border trade platform 1Export to introduce locally-made products from MSMEs to the global market. This is done through DTI’s ‘Go Lokal!’ program that targets local MSMEs to make their products more accessible to new markets.
The partnership also includes the utilisation of 1Export’s ‘Kalocal’, a platform where you can order export-ready Filipino products at wholesale prices. Said platform aims to help Filipino communities abroad who want to start their own business through importing and reselling products directly from local producers and manufacturers by offering competitive pricing for a wide variety of products – from heritage to novelty, from premium to popular and fast-moving brands.
For this year, DTI and 1Export will be launching the ‘’Go Lokal Surprise Box’ — a curated gift box containing Filipino products that will be made available, initially in the USA and Canada. Every product highlights a unique story of being proudly and passionately made by MSMEs in the Philippines.
“This promotional initiative will help MSMEs transition to cross-border trade as it provides the opportunity for the world to discover Filipino culture through artisanal handicrafts and delectable treats. This 2022, try Go Lokal products and join us in our journey to empower our local MSMEs,” DTI said in a press statement.
Since its inception in 2016, the ‘Go Lokal!’ program has partnered with 24 retailers, rolled out 154 stores nationwide, and assisted 859 MSMEs of which 385 have become regular suppliers of partner retailers. To date, the program has generated sales amounting to PHP 428m.
