DTI, TikTok Shop partner to equip MSMEs for e-commerce growth

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TikTok Shop on Friday signed a partnership pact to launch a program aimed at providing training, tools, and skills to support micro, small and medium enterprises’s (MSMEs) growth in the digital or e-commerce space.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and TikTok Shop Philippines marketing lead Franco Aligaen signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the “Unlad Lokal Program.”

Under the program, the DTI and TikTok Shop are targeting to train about 350 MSMEs across Manila, Davao, Pampanga, and Cebu.

The private-public initiative would be providing “targeted” training on content creation, live selling, and e-commerce strategies.

“Our partnership with TikTok Shop strengthens our commitment to providing Filipino MSMEs with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a dynamic global market. By strengthening their capabilities, we are opening more opportunities for business growth and market expansion,” said Roque.

Aligaen, for his part, said that embarking on digital or e-commerce would not require “substantial investment” in advertising.

“To start with the TikTok shop, there really is no needed capital. (All you need are the tools, your own business, and to join, of course, our training program. So our education and innovation team can guide you in setting up your shop, getting familiar with our different tools as well, and also succeeding with our different campaigns,” he said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News