CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- To help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) market their products here and abroad, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) have slated the schedules of national and international trade fairs, which may be joined by qualified exhibitors.
The list consists of 72 trade fairs, including 28 international trade fairs that are aimed at showcasing Central Luzon products to foreign buyers.
These international trade fairs include the Electronica trade fair in Munich, Germany, the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China, the SIAL trade expo in Paris, France, the China Asean Expo in Nanning, China, the Taipei International Food Show in Nangang, Taiwan, the Foodex trade Fair in Chiba, Japan and the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.
On February 7 to 11, 2020, nine MSMEs from Tarlac are set to join the Ambiente International Consumer Goods Fair in Frankfurt, Germany.
The said trade fair will feature the furniture products of the region and will help in showcasing Central Luzon products, identifying market niche and developing exporters to Germany and European Union states.
DTI Central Luzon Director Judith Angeles said participation of local MSMEs to the fair was made possible with the support of the provincia government of Tarlac and DTI's Citem.
Aside from participating in international trade fairs and expositions, the DTI-Central Luzon is also coordinating local trade fairs to help widen the market of local products.
"Before they join trade fairs, the participating MSMEs are given different services by DTI such as business name registration, product development, mentoring sessions, intellectual property registration, capacity building sessions and assistance in complying with government regulations," Angeles said.
Local trade fairs of note include the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair held annually in Metro Manila. In 2019, participating MSMEs to the Likha Trade Fair earned more than P58 million in total sales aside from meeting with institutional buyers.
Aside from the Regional Trade Fair organized by DTI, Central Luzon MSMEs could also participate in the National Trade Fairs scheduled for the year, particularly the National Food Fair in March, and the National Arts and Crafts Fair in June.
Angeles said that MSMEs that wish to participate in trade fairs and seek business advisory services should go to the nearest DTI provincial office or Negosyo Centers in their area.
She also asked the public to help in supporting the local economy by buying local products at trade fairs.