DTI hints big plans for the export sector

CEBU, Philippines — The government, through the Department of Trade and Industry, vowed full support for the exporters of furniture, home furnishing and fashion accessories as industry players noted a significant improvement in the market.

"We have bigger plans for 2018," said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) regional director Aster Caberte.

Caberte said now that the market has shown significant improvement, including the expanding interest from the domestic consumers, the government will help the stakeholders more strongly.

She added that Cebu in particular can exploit its tourism attraction at the same time showcase Cebu's word-class products starting here.

Part of the plan is to encourage exporters to open up showrooms or participate in local exhibitions in the shopping malls for foreign tourists and local market to see.

Caberte reiterated that aside from spending on promoting the export products abroad, it is also equally important to invest on making strong and visible presence in the local marketplace.

After all, she said export marketing is closely tied up with tourism. Promoting Cebu as a brand therefore, would already include its best products, Caberte added.