THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has identified targets to boost the international presence of the country's e-commerce on the E-Commerce Philippines 2024-2028 road map.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual on April 8 led the E-Commerce Promotion Council in discussing the road map, which "represents a shift from easy commerce to exciting commerce."

With the aim to expand the international presence of Philippine products and services, representatives from the government and private sector within the e-commerce ecosystem attended the meeting.

It included those from digital platforms, e-marketplaces, digital payments and telecommunication companies.

"Our goal is to strengthen the trust between buyers and sellers. By achieving this, we can foster a more complex economic landscape, enhancing connections and establishing stronger relationships," the trade chief said.

According to the DTI, the 2024-2028 road map focuses on the growth of key industries such as tourism, creative, food and agribusiness, transportation and logistics. It also introduces inclusivity and innovation as its key elements.

"As council members, we play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape of e-commerce in the Philippines, ensuring the integrity and sustainability of our e-commerce processes," said Pascual.

He also emphasized the members' contribution to crafting the road map that aims to boost the country's e-commerce industry.

The new road map covers 13 strategies and 28 deliverables aimed at building trust between online customers and sellers.

The DTI's Bureau of E-Commerce said that they will give further details on the strategies and deliverables once approved by the secretary.

The DTI, meanwhile, noted that Republic Act 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) of 2023, is expected to expand trust in the e-commerce sector.

"With the technical working group nearing the completion of the draft implementing rules and regulations of ITA, after reviewing public comments, progress is well underway," it said.