Trade dep’t encouraging retailers to list on PSE

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is encouraging retailers to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to raise funds for expansion.

“If they want to go to the stock exchange, we can assist them with that. Some are prepared for that, and some are interested in that,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque told reporters on Monday.

“I am also setting a meeting with the president of the PSE to discuss how brands that are already large enterprises can enter the stock exchange,” she added.

She said such listings broaden the options for retailers to fund their expansions.

“That is how you can grow: either you sell some shares, you list, you get private equity, or you borrow from the bank. It is good to know all the possible options,” she added.

She said PSE listing was discussed when the DTI met with the Philippine Retailers Association.

“Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation through a proposed memorandum of understanding, aimed at supporting shared goals in promoting sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and encouraging positive consumer behavior across the retail sector,” the DTI said in a social media post.

“Both parties expressed support for continuing to work together and expanding these efforts nationwide,” it added.

Ms. Roque said she also urged retailers to look at how they can benefit from the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

“A lot of them are manufacturers also… They have thousands of stores, and some already have a presence globally,” she said.

“We informed them of that because usually they think (CREATE MORE) is just for foreign investors. They do not know that it is also for local investors,” she added.

She also urged retailers to tap the DTI’s Foreign Trade Service Corp. for any export plans. — Justine Irish D. Tabile