THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is geared toward assisting businessmen affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the reopening of their businesses.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said most businesses were hit hard by the pandemic in the past year and this new year is a time for a safe and gradual reopening.
“Our objective in the department in 2021 is to continue with the safe and gradual reopening of the economy as we manage Covid-19,” Lopez said.
He added the agency is looking at ways on how to rebuild and make the industry sector stronger amid the effects brought about by the pandemic.
“As part of our mandate in ensuring economic recovery amid the pandemic, DTI has always and will continue to look at how we can rebuild a stronger, modern, and dynamic trade and industry sector," he said.
The trade chief also cited innovation as one of the key thrusts of the government for this year and urged for the newly filed Creative Industries Act to be included among the priority legislative measures.
"Create bill is a very important piece of legislation that will help the country’s economy recover much faster and stronger, with the reduction in income tax rates and a better set of time-bound, performance-based and focused incentives," he said.