DTI, UNIDO deal seeks to spur innovation

The country’s competitiveness is expected to get a boost from a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) agreement for the provision of a technical system and support to spur innovation in local industries.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and UNIDO director general Li Yong signed a partnership agreement for the first UNIDO Country Program for the Philippines, along with technical assistance and support to the Philippine National System of Innovation.

The program was drafted in line with the government’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022.

It focused on strengthening collaborations between the national government and its partners on development cooperation, basing on the country’s main priorities.

The project aims to address key issues such as ease in doing business and investment challenges. It will also tackle skills mismatches and infrastructure, among others.

Lopez stated that the partnership between the country and the United Nations body will be beneficial to the Filipino people and will improve the current state of the country.