DTI to hold trade fair for SMEs

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would hold next week a domestic trade fair for the holiday season with special focus on small and medium enterprises (SME) in areas hit by the earthquake and Super Typhoon Yolanda.

According to the DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, the SikatPinoy National Trade Fair featuring the country’s food, health and wellness products, fashion, jewelry, furniture, home décor, handicrafts, knick-knacks, collectibles, and other interesting gift items, would be held from Dec. 3 to 7, at the SM Megatrade Halls 1 to 3 in Mandaluyong City.

The DTI said the event is considered to be the biggest holiday shopping venue for the year.

Apart from serving as a venue to shop for the holiday season, the event would also help businesses which have been affected by the earthquake and Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“In this season of good cheer, supporting the more than 250 Filipino entrepreneurs participating in the SikatPinoy National Trade Fair is also doubly significant, as there will be a special focus on 40 SMEs from Regions 6, 7 and 8 to help them recover from last year’s devastating Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda,” the DTI said.

Bohol and Cebu were hit by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in October last year.

In November last year, provinces in central Philippines were struck by Yolanda which is considered to be one of the strongest typhoons.

The super typhoon killed thousands and left many homeless.

The DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion is organizing domestic trade fairs under the SikatPinoy brand to provide Filipino entrepreneurs with a venue to showcase their products and expand their market presence.

The trade fair is not only expected to allow SMEs to sell products in the domestic market but also overseas.

Earlier this year, the DTI conducted SikatPinoy fairs for food, fashion, art, and furniture and furnishings.

The DTI is promoting the growth of the SME sector as it is considered a key contributor to economic growth.