2023 National Trade Fair opens with solid stakeholder support
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The 2023 National Trade Fair opened last Aug. 23 with solid support from stakeholders. The event runs until Aug. 27, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.
“The National Trade Fair is not just about business; it's a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and our collective commitment to creating a prosperous future. It's about fostering relationships, building networks, and learning from one another,” said BDTP director Marievic Bonoan in her opening remarks.
“Taken collectively, initiatives like the National Trade Fair can serve as catalysts for change towards a future that is not only economically prosperous but also sustainable,” noted assistant secretary Leonila Baluyut from the DTI-ROG.
Representing the partner agencies involved in the National Trade Fair, Mags Catindig-Reyes, country program officer for Asia and the Pacific Region of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, acknowledged the role of the DTI in helping small farmers and rural entrepreneurs through the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) project. Several beneficiaries are showcasing their products in the ongoing trade fair.
Expressions of support were also extended by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Sonny Angara through video messages.
Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum also expressed his solidarity and support for the innovative materials, processes, and products of enterprising Filipinos.
Delivering the keynote speech on behalf of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto was Atty. Diego Luis Santiago, deputy city administrator and local development officer of Pasig.
Santiago emphasized the importance of developing the informal sector and empowering the growth of small businesses by strengthening initiatives towards ease of doing business.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP), in collaboration with the DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG), the 2023 National Trade Fair features micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) from the country's 16 regions. With over 250 exhibitors, the event offers a wide variety of non-food products such as furniture and furnishings, woodcrafts, metalcrafts, leathercrafts, home décor, houseware, apparel made of indigenous textiles, modern and traditional formal wear, fashion accessories and wearables made of eco-friendly materials, gift collections, souvenir items, holiday décor, personal care, and health and wellness products.
The special settings and pavilions being showcased at the 2023 National Trade Fair are: Philippine Sustainability Pavilion featuring bamboo, coconut, native grass, and natural fibers; Innovative Coconut-based Products cluster; Other Innovative Products cluster; Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth Project (RAPID) special setting; KAPEtirya: Coffee Pavilion; Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project Beneficiaries special cluster; Philippine Green Living and Holiday Décor Pavilion; and #FlexPHridays photo corner.
To expand the market reach of participating MSMEs, the Sisidlan: The Official NTF 2023 Digital Product Catalog includes their product information and contact details so interested institutional buyers and retail consumers can continue transacting business with the exhibitors even beyond the physical fair.
For inquiries, follow DTI-BDTP follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at [email protected].
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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by BDTP.
