Globalizing MSMEs via B2B E-Commerce: Considerations for the Philippines

Abstract

2015 was a fruitful year for Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as they witnessed and experienced strong momentum towards their development and eventual integration into the regional and global economies. Notably, several initia-tives and efforts aiming to link Philippine MSMEs into the Global Value Chains (GVCs) through the digital platform were simultaneously launched last year at the domestic and regional levels. Given the increasing recognition of e-commerce as a significant tool in globalizing MSMEs, it is important to note key points in the country’s push towards deeper involvement of Philippine firms in the global marketplace via the online platform. Tapping the B2B e-commerce, as exemplified by China’s Alibaba, and developing a robust local online ecosystem present great potential in further integrating MSMEs into the global economy.