Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Industry group offers programs to help members weather crisis
AMID the uncertain global financial climate, the association of manufacturers and exporters of gifts, toys and house ware has linked with other organizations to provide training courses to help its members.
Cebu Gifts, Toys, and Housewares Manufacturers and Exporters Association Inc. (Cebu-GTH) is offering training programs on subcontractors’ development, factory improvement and product development under the Sub-contracting Partners for Innovation Network (Spin).
Cebu-GTH said the training programs are designed to make members more efficient and competitive.
“Those who are not participating in the programs are left behind. For instance, in a show, their products are not so (attractive) compared to those who are updated with the trends and are trained under these programs,” said Cebu-GTH president Ramir Bonghanoy.
He added that even non-active members have started to participate in their activities, which are held with the help of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport-Cebu), the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Department of Trade and Industry.
While some member companies decided to “temporarily lie low” and come back once the market is ready, others continue to design functional and reasonably priced products for the United States, as well as high-end and decorative items for the European market, despite the global financial crisis.
“(International) buyers are still coming. They need products to put in their stores even when nobody (may be) buying because the moment they stop, their (business) will stop, too. But they are having a hard time deciding which products to put,” Bonghanoy said.
While he admitted that 2008 is not a good year for some member companies, he noted that the industry improved toward the end of the year with the strengthening of the dollar.
He added that GTH is a “flexible” industry where players can sell a lot of varieties.
The domestic market also helps, according to GTH past president Jenifer Cruz, since locals are gradually patronizing Filipino-made products. (NRC)
