With businesses and consumers "going digital" as a response to the drastic impacts of the pandemic, the transformation towards digital export platforms has reduced the economic repercussions brought about by the pandemic, making these vital tools for every export businesses' recovery response. In a report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in March 2021 entitled "COVID-19 and E-Commerce: A Global Review", it reported that amid the substantial reduction in the global economic activity due to the pandemic, growth was registered in the market share of trade and retail taken by e-commerce.

In its SME Export Report entitled "The Future of Exporting in a Digitalised Era", FedEx sets out the advantages of utilizing digital platforms in reaching customers and markets globally. With digitally-deliverable exports amounting to $2.9 trillion in 2020 (UNCTAD, 2020), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that digital trade, particularly in telecommunications, computer, and financial services, continued to expand in the first quarter of 2021 and is set to reach further expansion in the following quarters.

The significance of the digital exporting sector has increasingly materialized as the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic propelled the digital economy. Moreover, in anticipation of these developments further taking shape, the rise of digital exporting among SMEs will be a key factor for the successful transformation of the Philippine export sector.

Through CONNECT: "Breaking Borders Through Digital Trade", the ECCP and Fairs and More, Inc. aim to highlight the various opportunities available for the Philippine MSMEs by exploring the untapped potentials of digital exporting. Furthermore, this virtual forum endeavors to create a stronger link between the local exporters and global markets by digitally connecting the Philippines to global market opportunities.

Who should attend?

This event is intended for exporters and MSMEs who wish to gain and maintain a foothold in the international market through traditional and digital platforms.