PamCham supports Likha Trade Fair 2011

Sunday, October 23, 2011

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) Vice Chairman Rene Romero, President Jim Jimenez and Director and concurrent Pampanga Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises Council chairperson Terry Carlos attended the opening of the 2011 “Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair” at the Mega Trade Hall 2, SM Megamall.

In line with PamCham’s goal of “priming countryside business” and mission of promoting the capability and ability of our home grown experts to equally compete in the local and international market, the chamber’s support and collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry in this annual trade fair is always expected and assured.

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President Jim Jimenez expressed delight and appreciation on the invaluable service of “Likha” to Kapampangan SMEs in terms of product promotion and exposure in the national and global market. He was particularly elated over the participation of new PamCham member “John & Mico Chicharones”, which the chamber endorsed to DTI and DOST for assistance in product packaging improvement and manufacturing technology enhancement.

President Jim was also particularly pleased at seeing the Fernandina Water Hyacinth producers in the fair, showcasing products like bags, shoes, slippers and other novelty items made out of water hyacinths.

PamCham had recently taken on the initiative of encouraging high-end bag manufacturers to consider using water hyacinths as raw materials. Recent meeting with Becky Aranaz indicated positive interest in the material by the designer. Subsequent meetings are being arranged to further discuss water hyacinth processing by the Fernandina Water Hyacinth Producers to comply with the quality requirements of Aranaz Designs.

First time participant in the trade fair Healthy Mushrooms Inc. introduced gourmet mushrooms that are grown, cultivated and processed under controlled environment, utilizing a technology-based production system from Japan.

Another exhibitor is Leandro’s, which processes cheese products equally comparable in quality and taste with imported feta and mozzarella cheeses.

Other PamCham members participating in Likha 2011 are Mekeni Foods Corporation, Betis Best, Pampanga’s Best, Mallari’s Nursery Furniture, Navarro’s Food Corporation, Lailen’s Pastries, Carreon’s Sweets, Nerimars, Edelyn Homemade Nuts, RP Ocampo’s Foods, JEGENs Gen. Merchandise, and Remzon’s Organic Products.

Trade fair participants themselves acknowledge the importance of “Likha” in terms of retail sales generation, which is indicative of the product’s appeal to consumers outside the Province.

They also note the exposure and opportunity it provides them in accessing the international markets, as well as possibly acquiring partners scouting for new products and suppliers.

The trade fair ran from October 19 to 23, and everybody is enjoined to visit and buy authentic Central Luzon products to strengthen the region’s SMEs -- unarguably the backbone of the Philippine economy.