THE Davao Trade Expo (Date) 2015 is set to bring in foreign and local experts on trade and agriculture to provide advanced knowledge and latest technological innovations for participants.
On its 17th year, the expo, slated on September 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang, will highlight livestock, poultry and aquaculture, with the theme: "Building Local Products for the Global Community."
"With focus on these sectors, we will invite experts from different industries to conduct free trainings, forums and sessions," Wilfred T. Teves, Date 2015 chair, said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao Monday.
He said the expo is open to the public.
Teves also said that they had partnered with national and foreign companies to share their expertise in various aspects in the trade and agriculture. These are Alltech Philippines, and Topigs Norsvin, among others.
Organizers are expecting some 8,000 visitors from all over the country to take part in the expo.
"We are aiming to fill the convention center with over 200 exhibitors available in the exhibit area and at present we are now nearly 50 percent of completion in terms of number of exhibitors," Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) executive director Mary Antonette Doromal said.
Date 2015 is organized by DCCCCII in partnership with Davao City government, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry
According to the regional office of the Department of Agriculture in Davao data in 2014, there was an increase of 1.02 percent for livestock production and 0.27 percent in poultry, while decline of 0.15 percent of fish production compared to 2013.
"We believe that through this expo we take part in building local products for the global community, that we can produce beyond the need of the country. We encourage more farmers to invest and be involved in this business and produce products that can be exported and also can be utilized locally," Teves added.