SMEs urged to venture into E-commerce

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – City mayor Jose Enrique S. Garcia lll yesterday urged small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Bataan to venture into E-commerce to expand its international market reach which would definitely improve the volume of exportable local products.

Mayor Garcia in his opening remarks before some 500 businessmen and municipal officials of the province during the awarding of certificate of recognition to Ms. Zenaida Gonzales, proprietor of Michelle restaurant and bake shop, held yesterday at Crown Royale Hotel said the modern business trend of cash–less transactions through website and debit card are meant to connect domestic economy with the global economy.

Based on the latest Philippines E-commerce reports, the E-commerce reached P 79 Billion of the country’s total income for 2012, more than 76.2 percent or P 60.17 Billion is accounted for by the services sector to include transport, storage and support service activities and whole sale retail trade.

Furthermore, out of the country’s 101.1 million population, 44% are active internet users, 42 % are active social media users, 113% have mobile connections and 36% are active mobile users.

Citing these developments in the E-commerce industry, Garcia said the growing internet handlers over the past years is a significant component of anticipated progress of the province as a premier investment hub in Central Luzon.

He said the trade fair is a tremendously good showcase of homegrown products, the utilization of the latest technology in promoting would enhance the marketing facet which ultimately will escalate business mark-up.