SIX micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Occidental have gained boost through their exposure at the 2016 National Trade Fair held at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City last December 7 to 11.
Yssa’s Craft, Saturn Arts and Crafts, Silay Export Inc., M’Con Pieces and Crafts, Negros Silk, and Golden Arts and Furnishing were among the 281 qualified enterprises in the country that joined this year’s five-day trade fair.
The annual event is initiated by the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, which is under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Mae Buaron, senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, told Sun.Star Bacolod yesterday that through the National Trade Fair, enterprises from the province were given more market exposure.
The event, which is the culmination of all sector fairs in the country, has helped participating MSMEs promote their products especially to domestic markets, including local institutional buyers, Buaron said.
Aside from the “balikbayans,” who are the ones bringing local products to different countries, potential buyers like resorts, hotels and restaurants are brought closer to the producers.
“Through their exhibit booths, our MSMEs were able to conduct order takings or bookings and actual selling of their products,” Buaron added.
For Negros Occidental, the six-participating enterprises have brought products belonging to the gift, décor and houseware, furniture and furnishing sectors.
Buaron said that these MSMEs, who paid P6,000 in subsidized fees, applied and were screened by DTI for participation in the National Trade Fair.
“Their participation manifests how competent they are and active in participating in the different programs and initiatives of the government,” she said, adding that DTI-Negros Occidental will continue to work for the development of local entrepreneurs.