THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that the Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX) is set to conquer the country's biggest market as ZAMPEX goes to Manila.
This was announced by Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, who said the exposition, dubbed as "ZAMPEX sa Megamall" will be held from August 1 to 5, this year, at the SM Megamall in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
Jain said the plan to hold ZAMPEX outside Zamboanga Peninsula is a result of the success last year hitting over P25 million in sales, the biggest in five years since its inception in 2014.
"With the record-breaking sales last year, we are now ready to go out of Zamboanga Peninsula and introduce ZAMPEX to bigger markets," Jain said.
Jain said the success last year is a result of DTI's continuous assistance to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing their products, which proves they are ready for bigger markets.
She said this year's ZAMPEX is special as DTI is partnering with other national line agencies and the different local government units (LGUs) in the region to bring the innovative products, investment, and tourism potentials of the region to the Metro Manila market.
She said that a total of 115 MSME exhibitors from all over the region will be participating in this year's edition of ZAMPEX.
Jain said the activity will feature the most innovative products of local MSMEs to date, as a result of the continuing product development conducted by DTI to make local products at par with commercial counterparts.
She said ZAMPEX will also serve as avenue for LGUs to present investment opportunities in their area, through the help of the Board of Investment (BOI).
She said her office, in partnership with BOI, will conduct an Investment Session, where investors will be invited for business matching.
"All of these are seen to create jobs and income opportunities for the people in the peninsula," Jain said.
Jain said ZAMPEX sa Megamall will also feature the region's One Town-One Product, Halal-certified products, and its colorful culture through Heritage and the Weavers' Booth.
This year's ZAMPEX is anchored on the theme "Innovate, Invest, Indulge", is indeed a fitting storyline for ZAMPEX sa Megamall. (SunStar Philippines)