DAVAO CITY -- A number of Mindanao products will be introduced to new markets during the Mindanao Trade Expo in Makati City next month.
Fresh from the successful staging of MTE 2017 in Davao City last August 11-20, the MTE Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) is making another major step to further widen the reach of the island-region’s products and services.
Set on October 2-5 at the Activity Center of Glorietta Mall in Makati City, the trade and retail exhibition is seen as a feasible mechanism to increase not only the visibility, but more importantly, the institutional buyers of the participating entrepreneurs.
MTEFI President Rosevic Del Rosario-Cembrano said the exhibit in Glorietta, which is already the third one for this year, was carefully planned, especially that some potential participants may think that they might just be wasting their resources if they would join.
“We can’t deny the fact that some would have apprehensions about joining, considering that they need to invest – from logistics to their accommodation in Manila. However, with shows like this conducted in a venue that has so much potential in terms of market expansion, such opportunity must be grabbed,” she explained.
MTE has already brought Mindanao’s interesting offerings to several international trade shows in the past, including New York, Hong Kong, and Paris.
“Since 2012, Abreeza, an Ayala mall in Davao City, has been our partner in opening doors for the Mindanaoan entrepreneurs," Del Rosario-Cembrano said.
This partnership has further strengthened when Ayala Malls offered a wider market for Mindanao products and services, she added.
At the four-day MTE at Glorietta Mall, seven different events will be highlighted -- The Fair, which will showcase the best of Mindanao especially the premium products qualified for DTI’s banner program ‘OTOP Next Gen” and Go Lokal! Store; Special Setting of new product designs as an offshoot of the previously conducted design consultations; and, Business Matching between Mindanao entrepreneurs and Manila-based companies.
“We want to maximize this opportunity from the Ayala Malls. It has always been the desire of MTEFI to provide all avenues where the Mindanawon entrepreneurs can promote their products and services and expand their markets,” Del Rosario-Cembrano said.
Meanwhile, Del Rosario-Cembrano revealed that apart from the chance to buy quality Mindanao-produced items, visitors will get to learn more about the culture of Matigsalug Tribe as well. Through the special setting, the products of the Davao City ethnic group will likewise be highlighted.
The MTE in Glorietta is supported by DTI, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport), and Ayala Malls. (Jenny Mendoza/PNA)
