KESONG
puti in olive oil and herbs from Nueva Ecija. Goat’s
milk soap from Misamis Oriental. Pesticide-free
rice grown using biodynamic farming methods in
Davao del
Sur. Canned pinangat and pineapple wine from Bicol.
These were among the more than 1,300 products and designs showcased during the
recently-concluded National Trade Fair at SM Megamall in Manila.
More than 200 exhibitors from the country’s 17 regions joined the fair,
the government’s platform to stimulate the interest and capabilities
of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry also held its fourth Raw Materials
Showcase which demonstrated the potential of seashells, woody vines and climbing
bamboo. It also showed the different production processes that can be applied
to them.
Said Trade Secretary Peter Favila, “The innate creativity of the Filipinos
can be an economic asset to differentiate RP products and services and elevate
their value in the global market.”
To this end, seminars were held during the five-day exhibit. They included packaging
design for the Japanese market, bead-working, stuffed toy-making, as well as
ways in which to become more competitive in the global market.
Last year, the trade fair generated sales of P82.44 million and attracted 20,000
trade buyers and visitors.
SMEs account for 99.6 percent of the total number of establishments in the Philippines
and 60 percent of all exporters, according to the DTI. They employ 70 percent
of the labor force but the DTI sees a need to improve the value-added aspect
of products, which now stand at 32 percent.
For more information on products, exhibitors and services, contact the Center
for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) at sprojects@citem.com.ph
or call (632) 831.2336 and 831.2201 local 261 and 263. Or visit www.citem.com.ph/ntf. |
