Mandaue traders launch first expo, draw 51 exhibitors

The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry  (MCCI) launched its first Expo Mandaue at Oakridge Business Park  as part of its annual celebration of Mandaue Business Month.

At least 51 companies set up shop in Oakridge Pavilion, displaying the creative use of materials like bamboo, driftwood,  clay and shells.

The theme of the expo’“Designing for the World”  underscores Mandaue’s identity as a  world class manufacturing hub.

Among the products in display were gifts, toys and houseware (GTH), furniture, food and delicacies and fashion accessories.

“This is part of our  way of branding Mandaue city,” MCCI president Donato Busa said.

Busa said the three-day expo will help expose businesses in Mandaue to a larger clientele base.

“There are products here which are known worldwide. They are known only outside but now they can be seen,” he said by Cebuanos and a wider public.

Busa said organizers  are expecting delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings to visit the expo today and tomorrow on the invitation of  Ambassador Ma. Angelina  Sta. Catalina.

The Chamber and the Mandaue city government are lobbying to reopen the Cebu International Convention Center as a bigger showroom, so that more exhibitors can display their wares.

Busa said a P300 million budget had been requested from the national government to fund the repair and renovation of the CICC through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Busa said the MCCI  was  tapped by Mandaue City Hall to manage the center after it is reopened.

No timeframe was assured but Busa said he hopes the CICC will be reopened in time for next year’s Expo Mandaue.