GTH president supports call for exporters to sell locally

CEBU, Philippines - While the two largest markets for Philippine exports are currently down, a local industry player echoed calls from national trade officials in encouraging exporters to sell locally.

It was recently reported that the domestic market has been foreseen as the best and easiest area for exporters to take advantage of despite the international crisis.

Cebu - Gifts, Toys and Housewares Foundation, Inc. (GTH) president and Bon-Ace Fashion Tools, Inc. general manager Ramir Bonghanoy agreed to such recommendation, noting that there are a variety of large opportunities within the country for export players to cater to.

“It is very true. We should try to be aware of what is going on inside. A good choice is to form a domestic market,” he said.

He added that the remarkable growth in the tourism sector and real estate industry has led to diverse developments in the local market.

However, he said that the shift from foreign to local clients will not be automatically easy as companies should practice to be domestic-friendly.

He further warned exporters to be careful since they have to reinvent and innovate to adapt quickly to a different market.

He cited that changes in the company may include the facilities, financing, marketing, product research, customer relations and after sales service.

“Since it is very big, you have to prepare. You have to transform your factory. If you still serve the export market for foreign projects, put up a table for your domestic market. You should have the domestic thinking,” Bonghanoy stated.

Expressing concerns on copyrights and patents, he added that caution on imitation should also be observed as it could be practiced in the Philippines just like in China.

Meanwhile, he noted that companies that are into high-end export products are not that much affected with the international setbacks since they serve the elite market which represents a small portion of the export market.

Such market, he added, is more inclined on the elegance, high quality and uniqueness of the products rather than the price.

“Ginagmay ra ang epekto but is still thriving. Companies will surely survive. Stable gihapon ta,” he said.

Bonghanoy further said that while the export industry generally has the United States as the biggest market for the Philippines, Bon-Ace Fashion Tools considers Europe as the top market with compromises such as perks and discounts given to its clients.

Based in the recent report from the National Economic Development Authority – 7, the economic growth of Central Visayas has accelerated for the first quarter of 2012 due to the developments attributed by major industries.

It was also cited in the report that the export sector has started to revitalize for this year as the regional export sales increased by 20.2%.

“The positive performance of the industry in the first quarter of 2012 could be taken as an indication that the export industry is on its way to full recovery,” NEDA Assistant Regional Director Efren Carreon said. — (FREEMAN)