Trade officials are optimistic to generate PHP2.3 million in sales from a four-day fair of local products at Robinsons North mall here. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Eastern Visayas regional director Celerina Bato said Monday that at least 65 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will join the Gawang Otso Eastern Visayas Trade Fair which will be held from Aug. 17 to 20. The fair is part of the Made in the Philippines Products Week. Now in its third year, Bato said they were confident that they could meet the sales target this year with improved packaging and increasing popularity of local products. The 65 participating exhibitors are engaged in the production of native delicacies, traditional cookies, natural teas, tablea (raw dark chocolate), coconut products, fashionable bags, home decor, among others. These products depict the lifestyle and culture of Eastern Visayas, said Bato. ‘This celebration is geared towards showcasing the very best of genuine locally made products and highlighting the ingenuity and talent of our local manufacturers and entrepreneurs in various industries,’ she said. Gawang Otso Eastern Visayas Products Fair will be open during mall hours at the Robinsons North Tacloban ground floor Activity area. Bato said the mall is an active partner in upholding the development of MSMEs in the region. ‘Activities like this greatly helped our MSMEs generate income and establish new business linkages from new buyers met during the fair,’ she added. The DTI has been holding market fairs to showcase new and improved products through special settings.
Source: Philippines News Agency
