More exporters given chance to display wares

APEC delegates view the “Exquisitely Filipino” exhibit at the SM City Cebu Northwing. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expanded the “Exquisitely Filipino” exhibit to give more Cebu exporters the opportunity to showcase their products for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) delegates.

The exhibit area at the SM City Cebu Northwing was expanded to accommodate 30 more stalls, bringing the total number of exhibitors to 48.

DTI Regional Director Asteria C. Caberte said they were encouraged to expand the exhibit after  18 original exhibitors reported average daily sales of P100,000.

“The (APEC) delegates are going around and shopping for products, especially those they don’t find in their place. I was also told that some have placed bulk orders of some products, like  scented candles. The delegates were ordering many pieces. Some of them are businessmen back in their countries,” Caberte said.

Among the new exhibitors are furniture manufacturers Diamond Cane International and Nature’s Legacy Eximport Inc.

The Argao municipal government also joined the exhibit to promote “hablon” weaving, whose fabric is  used by exporters and local fashion designers.

Caberte said delegates have been shopping mostly for fashion accessories, probably to be given as gifts, as well as home and office furnishings.

A tleast 2,778 delegates have arrived in Cebu for the Third APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) and ministerial meetings on structural reforms and finance. Some are expected to stay until Sept. 11

Caberte said large international conferences present a good opportunity for local manufacturers to promote their products.

“What’s good about this is that the products are offered at manufacturer’s price which is significantly cheaper than when they buy them in shops abroad,” she said.

The “Exquisitely Filipino” exhibit will run until September 8 and is being promoted at the APEC desks.