DTI helps Negrense MSMEs expand thru e-commerce

FILE: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (PNA photo)

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is assisting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Occidental expand their business through electronic commerce.

Rachel Nufable, chief trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said 36 entepreneurs attended a seminar here on Thursday to have a better understanding of the online platform as a marketing tool.

Business counselors of various Negosyo Centers shared their knowledge to the participants,

Nufable said DTI seeks to capacitate MSMEs in coping with current trends and strategies on e-commerce so they can effectively expand their markets.

While focusing on product quality, entrepreneurs should also be capable of adapting to technologies to sell more products and increase their income, she added.

“Digital marketing is really a powerful tool in boosting local entreprises,” Nufable said, adding that the seminar made the MSMEs realize the advantages of selling their products not just in the traditional way.

Negrense blogger-entrepreneur and product development consultant Jojo Vito discussed the concepts and techniques in digital marketing, including the “do’s and don’ts” in e-commerce.

Vito said personal issues should be separated from business when using the internet space in selling products.

Negative issues may affect consumers’ perception towards the product, he added.

Vito also said that MSMEs should also have their own website aside from Facebook and other social media accounts to project a “professional” image for their businesses.

Nufable said the DTI-Negros Occidental is planning to create a website for all MSMEs in the province.

It will serve as a “network” showcasing Negrense entrepreneurs and their products and will provide potential buyers information on how to reach them.

This could be an effective platform to link our producers with more and bigger markets,” she added. (PNA)