SEVEN participating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Negros Occidental were linked to potential local and foreign buyers during the three-day Manila Fame 2017 from October 20 to 22 at World Trade Center in Pasay City.
These firms assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Provincial Government of Negros Occidental were Hacienda Crafts, Artisan Island Craft, Silay Export, Yssas Craft, Tumandok Craft Industries, Golden Arts and Furnishing, and PLV Trading.
The Manila Fame, a bi-annual event hosted by the Center for International Trade Exposition Mission (Citem) of the DTI every April and October, gathers thousands of enterprises and visitors.
Mae Buaron, senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said the activity has boosted local SMEs particularly in terms of promoting their respective products.
She said that on top of actual sales during the three-day exposition, participating enterprises from the province were able to link their products to potential buyers, including those outside the country.
“Our SMEs were able to expand their market. Some foreign buyers have already booked their orders, many other transactions are still under negotiation,” Buaron said, adding that “these additional niches will add to our existing local and institutional buyers.”
The Manila Fame: Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers’ Exchange showcases craftsmanship, design innovation, and artisanship in Philippine products.
It mainly features finely selected furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion accessories designed and crafted in the country for the global market.
This year, the event also underscored “great women” in the country by showcasing the products of women weaving communities.
Buaron said that aside from the seven firms, M’Con Pieces, also from Negros Occidental, joined the exhibition of different bamboo products at the booth of Central Luzon. It featured a bamboo-made foldable table.
She said the Manila Fame is one of the national trade fairs that have been consistently helping local enterprises by serving as platform for marketing and promotion.
“We urge more participation from SMEs in the province next year,” Buaron said, stressing that to qualify as participant to the event, enterprises must pass certain qualifications, including product innovation.
