DTI head vows to continue promoting Central Luzon

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2016/04/19/dti-head-vows-continue-promoting-central-luzon-468821
• Friday, April 22, 2016

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. has assured local government units and businessmen in Central Luzon that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue to promote the region as investment area.

Cristobal made the assurance during a recent awarding here of outstanding local government units in terms of streamlining business processes.

"On the part of DTI, we just want to assure you of our continued support. Sa macro level, we will continue to promote Central Luzon, strategic location to maximize the benefits from market access we have in our free trade agreements," Cristobal said.

From 2011 to 2015, the Board of Investments approved a total P372 billion worth of in Region 3, according to the DTI head.

"Malaking pera po yan, That accounts for 19 to 20 percent of the total investments in the Philippines, pumunta sa Region 3. Kapag sinama natin ang National Capital Region (NCR) Number 3 [ang Central Luzon] -- NCR, Region 4 and then Region 3," Cristobal said.

In the next few years, Cristobal expressed hopes that Central Luzon will rank Number 2 in terms of investments.

"And we will support you there, ang DTI."

He also said that the agency will continue programs to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve the region’s competitiveness.

Cristobal also vowed to provide facilities and equipment to MSMEs in Central Luzon.

DTI has distributed P94 million worth of equipment for MSMEs in the region for the last two years, according to Cristobal.