NDC, Mercato Centrale launch Philippine E-Commerce Platform at National MSME Summit to boost Filipino enterprises’ Online Presence

27 July 2023, Philippines - The National Development Company (NDC), in partnership with food business incubator Mercato Centrale Group, has proudly unveiled the beta launch of the Philippine E-commerce Platform (PEP) at the National MSME Summit 2023 held at The Manila Hotel on July 18, 2023.

PEP represents a groundbreaking initiative as the first government omnichannel aimed at promoting Filipino businesses and supporting their online expansion. The platform gives priority to Filipino products and exclusively onboards businesses that are officially registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other government agencies, adding an extra layer of consumer protection. By tapping into public sector initiatives like Go Lokal, PEP also enables buyers to access a wider range of locally-made products.

The platform, supported by DTI, is owned by the NDC and is seamlessly integrated with DICT's e-Gov super-app, serving as the central hub for all Philippine government services. Mercato Centrale Group generously contributed the technology for the platform.

"We applaud the NDC and the Mercato Centrale Group for the launch of PEP. We are optimistic that this platform will significantly expand the presence of Filipino companies and products online, allowing MSMEs to broaden their markets and grow their businesses," said Joey Concepcion, Founder of Go Negosyo and Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMEDC).

The creation of PEP aligns perfectly with the President's 8-point agenda, particularly focusing on bureaucratic efficiency, digitalization, and modernization of government processes and operations. This innovative project is also in line with the Strategic Development Plan of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Why is the launch of PEP significant?

The global E-commerce growth rate for 2023 is projected at +8.9%, with sales estimated to reach USD$5.9 Trillion worldwide. Although the online retail growth rates have slowed as economies reopen and consumers return to brick-and-mortar stores, E-commerce's share of retail sales is still expected to increase to 23.3% by 2026. In the Philippines, E-commerce growth is forecasted to reach as high as +22.9% in 2023, positioning the country as the 20th largest market for E-commerce globally and projected to reach at least USD$16 Billion in 2023. The Philippines continues to be one of the fastest-growing E-commerce markets in Southeast Asia, driven by high smartphone and internet penetration rates.

To capitalize on the continuous growth of E-commerce in the Philippines, the government has taken the proactive step of launching PEP to give Philippine businesses, especially MSMEs, greater exposure to a wider online market that may not be accessible through traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Additionally, PEP aims to protect Philippine shoppers by exclusively onboarding government-registered Philippine businesses, ensuring a safe and secure online shopping experience.

PEP is set to revolutionize the Philippine E-commerce landscape, championing Filipino businesses, and empowering them to thrive in the digital era. With its innovative features and commitment to consumer protection, PEP is poised to make a significant impact in driving the nation's digital economy forward.