Next DTI head vows to aid ‘poor, micro, small sectors’

Incoming DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. FILE PHOTO

Incoming Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Tuesday committed to continue pursuing initiatives aimed at helping the “poor, micro and small sectors” as he takes on this new role over the next six years.

According to Lopez, his appointment was “not expected because we are ready and have been helping from private sector side through Go Negosyo for past 11 years.”

“But (I) couldn’t say no also when (President-elect Rodrigo Duterte) mentioned his sincere wish to help the poor and micro and small sectors para sa bayan (for the country) and (to) also level up the existing businesses to be more innovative especially those in the sectors where we have comparative advantage, where Philippines will be known for,” Lopez said.

“I’m just an instrument to help them but I am sure all of you would like to do something for the underprivileged groups. Use me,” he added.

According to the Go Negosyo website, Lopez has been the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo’s executive director for the past 11 years. Together with Go Negosyo’s Founder Joey Concepcion, he has led the strong entrepreneurship advocacy promoting the enterprising culture among Filipinos.

For 22 years, he has served the business sector as a top executive of RFM Corporation and has handled strategic planning and business development, mergers and acquisitions and equity investors group. Lopez topped his Master in Development Economics at Williams College in Massachusetts, USA and finished his AB Economics degree at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

He formerly worked with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and has experience in trade and industry development planning. RAM/rga

RELATED STORIES

Duterte names Health, Tourism, Trade secretaries

Bam Aquino welcomes appointment of Lopez as DTI chief