This is a press release from the Business Economics Association.

Since 2020, all sectors in the country have had to deal with the severe challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which cover 99.5% of the operating businesses in the country. 

The damage brought by the pandemic has persistently hampered the operations of MSMEs. So how is the MSMEs sector now? What opportunities can it take advantage of to help businesses recover? 

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UAP) School of Economics and the Business Economics Association (BEA) are proud to present the Business Economics Forum (BEF). This year’s forum will center around the theme “Widening Horizons Towards Development,” which will tackle relevant issues concerning the MSMEs sector in the pandemic setting. 

The forum will feature discussions on the current situation of the MSMEs sector, digital banking with MSMEs, government initiatives to aid in the sector’s recovery, and the future outlook for Philippine MSMEs’ skills development. 

Distinct leaders, such as former senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco, and Philippine Trade Training Center executive director Nelly Ditera will be talking at the conference to discuss the performance of the MSMEs sector in the Philippine economy, as well as certain factors at play in its recovery. 

The event will be held on May 8, from 9 am to 4 pm, via Zoom. For interested participants, you may check the event primer for more information. Slots are limited, so secure yours now for free through bit.ly/BEF2021-Registration. – Rappler.com