MSMEs are key to sustaining growth amid challenges

In last week's column, I focused on how we will need to boost our economies with cooperation within ASEAN in light of challenges posed by enlarged global conflicts, which have become more apparent with the US bombing of sensitive Iranian sites. Already, projected hikes in fuel prices threaten our current growth, which needs to expand if we are to achieve and stay within middle income status that we are aiming for.

- #MINDANAO JOHN TRIA

The recent presentation of the country partnership framework of the World Bank in a May 23 Manila Bulletin article highlights the chance for the country to enter middle-income status within the current decade. The article notes how our average growth has risen from 3.7 percent from 1990 to 2010, to 5.2 percent from 2010 to last year. I credit this to infrastructure investments where they mattered, and the contribution of Mindanao's growth, which has eclipsed the country's GDP in the previous seven years. With this trend, it is clear that Mindanao's growth will continue to lift the country's growth.