The 2019 National Trade Fair, themed “A Green Show,” closed on a high note as it ended its four-day run from August 22 to 25 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Post-event reports indicate that the Department of Trade and Industry exceeded previous year figures on all fronts, through the efforts of the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, under the leadership of Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of the Trade Promotions Group, in cooperation with the Regional Operations Group under Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona.
In terms of revenues, retail and booked sales amounted to almost PHP 60-million, representing a 7% increase over previous year figures of PHP 56-million. Moreover, orders amounting to PHP 26-million are still under negotation and are expected to be converted to booked orders.
With 88 food and 197 non-food exhibitors, the 2019 National Trade Fair provided market exposure to 285 MSMEs from all over the country, 14% better than the 250 participants last year. Trade fair visitors also increased by almost 10%, attracting 41,418 fairgoers as compared to last year’s 37,364.
The National Trade Fair has always been well-received by buyers and the general public, with customer satisfaction remaining a high 98% saying they were definitely satisfied.
The theme, “A Green Show,” was adopted in line with the DTI’s Green Economic Development Program that aims to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, and the 285 exhibitors were carefully chosen because their products and processes are organic, environment-friendly, and sustainable. They signified their commitment to become green advocates by displaying a pledge panel in their respective booths, with the following promises: (a) create sustainable products; (b) use eco-friendly packaging; (c) conserve energy and resources; (d) explore green solutions to reduce carbon footprint; and (e) support and promote environmental awareness.
Likewise, as part of the formal opening ceremony, the DTI being led by Secretary Ramon Lopez together with other officials and distinguished guests also signified their pledge to incorporate green practices in their programs and policies by writing down their signatures on the pledge wall with the following commitments:
- produce green-trepreneurs from Trabaho, Negosyo, Konsumer (TNK) sessions;
- nurture 10 green-trepreneurs to become global;
- implement green practices in all operational Shared Service Facilities by end of 2019;
- advocate green consumerism through information, education, and communication campaigns; and
- reduce paper consumption through the implementation of ONE-DTI or the Digital Transformation Initiative.
The DTI conducts national domestic trade fairs primarily to assist MSMEs from the regions in order for them to expand their market presence; and over the years, the number of visitors, as well as sales volume have steadily increased, as Metro Manila consumers look forward to these events.
Don’t miss the upcoming National Arts and Crafts Fair which will be held on October 24-27, 2019 at Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at telephone numbers (02) 751-3223 and (02) 791 3102, or email bdtp@ dti.gov.ph. You may also follow DTI-BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.