Philexport Davao supports MTE 2010

Philexport Davao is supporting the Mindanao Trade Expo 2010!

The 14th Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) will be staged on August 19 to 22 at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Convention Hall in Davao City.

Ann T. Pamintuan, MTE Foundation, Inc. president, said during the MTE 2010 media launch on Tuesday at the Apo View Hotel Garden Pavilion that they are optimistic that the expo will continue to reap good harvests.

Pamintuan also said Mindanao products will take center stage once more in this year’s event.

She said since its first staging in 1996 until 2009 (except 2008), the MTE has already recorded an aggregate cash sales of P58.5 million and booked sales of P163 million, until its 13th staging last year. It has also promoted and extended marketing assistance to a total of 1,705 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and gathered 607 local and international buyers.

“In 2008, we didn’t have an MTE because of some factors. However, we were able to bounce back last year, as manifested by the sales we generated which amounted to P65.5 million, both for cash and booked,” she said.

Bearing the theme “Mindanao Trade Expo…Eco-ing Traditions”, the event is expected to host in one venue at least 100 exhibitors who are producers of gifts, toys and house wares (GTH), furniture and furnishings, fashion accessories, and processed food. Tourism destinations and investment opportunities will likewise be showcased during the four-day exhibit.

“The trend for green or sustainable products is the present requirement of the global market. If we are to widen our market reach, we have to make products that will meet the demand. Through it, we can sustain our economic gains,” she said.

Pamintuan added that aside from the economic gains, producing green products also means protecting the environment.

“This year’s theme exemplifies our continuing advocacy to support the promotions of eco-friendly products of Mindanao,” she said.

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said the agency will always be of help to the MSMEs especially on the area of product development.

Loreto said the 14th MTE is an accredited event of the Kadayawan Festival celebration which be held also from Aug. 16-21 this year.