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Saturday, June 18, 2005
Traders urged to join design workshops to increase sales
TO IMPROVE product packaging and design to reach wider markets, the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. (MTEFI) is urging all of the micro, small, and medium enterprises to invest in design workshops in order to improve their products, which in return, could also increase sales.
MTEFI President Ann T. Pamintuan said in a press statement that in view of the stiff competition confronted by Mindanao manufacturers in local and international markets, they should make it a point to provide clients with quality, Mindanao design-oriented and market-driven products delivered on time.
"Over the years, customers always look for new designs. If you do not catch up, you will be left behind," she said.
In line with this, the MTEFI conducted a series of design workshops cum product development among MSME-members.
During the activity, a renowned Manila-based designer provided insights before Mindanao manufacturers on how to further improve their products.
Product designer Reimon Gutierrez, who is an architect by profession, shared his creativity to some 30 SMEs in Davao City, who are producing gifts, toys, and house wares (GTH), furniture, fashion accessories and processed food.
Gutierrez said in designing products for clients, manufacturers should bear in mind that "quality and design always come together."
During the workshop, Gutierrez proposed a three-key framework emphasizing the major aspects in unleashing creativity: shaping the positive attitude of the participants; enhancing their skills; and guiding them towards an ideology that would lead them to maximize their creativity.
Since Mindanao is endemic with high value raw materials such as coconut, tinalak, and bamboo, Gutierrez encouraged the workshop participants to maximize all of these.
"We have to note that they are the pride of the place. I-limit muna nila ang raw materials nila dito and they have to explore as many combinations as they can.
Let's say, pagsamahin nila ang bamboo at coconut ngayon, later on, i-develop naman nila ang bamboo at tinalak. They just have to keep coming up with new designs. The market right now is very demanding, and they have to go on with the trend. 'Yong tipong while you are selling this design, you are already creating a new design. We have to recognize that the business climate as of now is very competitive and design has already become a tool for marketing," he said.
After Davao City leg, the workshop proceeded to Cagayan de Oro City, from June 8 to 9; Butuan from June 14 to 15; and Zamboanga City from June 21 to 23.
With the workshops, Pamintuan said, exhibitors would become more ready for the MTE International 2005 slated from August 12 to 15 at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) building in Quirino Ave., Davao City The MTE International 2005 is expected to gather at least 200 exhibitors from all over BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) region.(With PR)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (June 18, 2005 issue)
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