DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), along with the German International Cooperation (GIZ) is set to conduct a planning workshop for members of the Negros Oriental Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) on March 14-15 at this city’s Bethel Guest House.

The two-day seminar will highlight the formal turn-over of SMEDC chairmanship from former Governor Jose Baldado to Governor Roel Degamo who has given his nod in being the incoming chair of the Council. The new set of officers will be inducted during the same occasion.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 Provincial Director Javier Fortunato said the activity will review the SMED Plan 2004-2010, particularly its accomplishments under priority programs and industries.

The workshop aims to harmonize and compliment the province’s development plan with both regional and national SME plans.

Also, council members plan to complete an action plan which seeks to increase the contribution of SMEs as primary engines of growth and spur them to attain higher performance levels. (Phoebe Jen Indino)