Over 200 Filipinos residing in Shanghai attended the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Seminar held on 5 November 2018 during the sidelines of the Philippine participation to the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
The TNK Seminar was an initiative of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez to encourage entrepreneurship among overseas Filipinos and provide them with access to information, network of suppliers, and resources that will help them become successful entrepreneurs1. Furthermore, TNK serves as a platform to aid overseas Filipinos and their families based in the Philippines by giving them a better grasp of what it takes to become successful entrepreneurs.
Secretary Ramon M. Lopez proudly announced that the Philippines is a bright spot in Asia. “The country is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Southeast Asian region with a young population. The Philippines is strategically located near key markets in Asia where we also have existing preferential trade agreements. As the country continues to develop, we want more Filipinos to benefit by creating more enterprises and benefiting from our economic growth.” Lopez said. "This is the best time to open a business in the Philippines and encourage your families back home to be more enterprising, and ride on the country’s economic growth," he added.
Philippine Ambassador to China, Jose Santiago Sta. Romana echoed the sentiments of Secretary Lopez and encouraged our kakabayans, “to seize this golden opportunity to be successful entrepreneurs or to be at the leading edge of creativity and innovation in the flourishing of Philippine micro, small and medium sized enterprises or MSME’s.”
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Shanghai also invited several speakers to provide mentorship to the aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs. DTI Director for Export Marketing Bureau, Senen Perlada discussed the several opportunities for Filipinos in China through exports of Philippine food products such as coconut, frozen seafood, fresh fruits, and snacks as well as personal care products and design driven products such as furniture, home furnishing, and fashion accessories.
Ms. Sherill Quintana from the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and Mr. Andoy Beltran of First Metro Securities were among the resource speakers. Quintana discussed how Filipinos could invest in the right franchise noting that “franchising is a powerful tool for economic development and has become a preferred investment option for many.”
Meanwhile, Beltran discussed the importance of raising capital efficiently through various financial instruments. He urged our kababayans to start their investment journey through mutual funds, stocks, and exchange-traded funds.
The seminar was well received by the Filipino community in Shanghai. “TNK was inspiring to Filipinos in Shanghai. We hope this will help broaden their mindset to be more business-driven and be entrepreneurial”, said by Carol Ong, Founder of PhilCham Shanghai. “Maraming Maraming Salamat sa unang TNK (Trabaho, Negosyo, and Kabuhayan) Forum na naganap sa Shanghai! (Thank you for organizing the first TNK forum in Shanghai) “Filipino Brands Can” is the new cheer today!” said by Michelle Teope-Shen, President of the Filipino Community in Shanghai.
“[TNK] is an eye opener for us OFWs, even though we are away from home, there are still a lot of opportunities that await us.” remarked Mark Ibañez President of Bagong Pinoy Community. “We also learned that investing in various securities and assets could help us continuously grow our wealth,” added Herbert Recato, Head of Tsupitero Overseas Filipino Workers.
TNK in Shanghai was hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Consulate in Shanghai together with Liwayway Marketing Corporation, in cooperation with Dai-chi Electronics, First Metro Securities, Metrobank Group, Philippine Franchise Association, the Filipino Community in Shanghai, the Philippine Chamber of Business and Professionals, Shanghai; Bagong Pinoy Community, and Tsupitero Overseas Filipino Workers.
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