DTI to launch Alibaba-inspired B2B platform

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently announced plans to launch a business-to-business (B2B) platform aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs by providing easier and broader access to wholesale trading. While this initiative reflects the DTI’s commitment to empowering Filipino businesses, the approach raises questions about efficiency and practicality. Rather than developing a new government-run platform from scratch—a process that entails a significant learning curve and considerable public spending—the DTI could achieve more by partnering with existing Philippine-based B2B platforms.

The Philippines already has established B2B players with the expertise, infrastructure, and resources to facilitate effective wholesale trading. These private sector platforms understand the intricacies of wholesale trading and have invested in building robust networks, customer trust, and technological know-how. By leveraging these established platforms, the DTI could save on public resources that would otherwise be used to develop and maintain a new platform while also avoiding the steep learning curve that comes with managing a tech-based marketplace. Setting up a successful B2B platform requires continuous maintenance, user engagement, and security measures, all of which demand significant expertise and funding.

A more sustainable and impactful approach would involve the DTI tying up with private B2B providers to create a regulated framework that fosters fair trading, transparency, and easy access to local businesses. By collaborating with these players, the DTI can provide guidelines that encourage inclusivity, support data privacy, and protect small businesses, without the need for extensive financial outlay.

Additionally, the DTI could use its resources to provide technical support, workshops, and training for local entrepreneurs to navigate existing B2B platforms effectively. This approach could empower business owners to fully utilize B2B tools for expanding their networks, improving procurement, and scaling their operations. A partnership would also allow the DTI to regulate and oversee the B2B space, ensuring that these platforms operate fairly and equitably while fostering an environment that drives sustainable business growth.