GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/07 November) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 12 will stage next week a grand trade fair that will showcase the region’s emerging products.
Ibrahim Guimadel, DTI Region 12 director, said the regional trade fair will mainly feature indigenous products of various micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the region’s four provinces and five cities.
Dubbed “Treasures of Region 12,” he said the event will be held at the atrium of SM City General Santos from November 13-16.
Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong and Cotabato.
“We will not only market our featured products but will also link up our producers to potential investors,” Guiamadel said.
Richard Ismael Arceno, DTI-12 information officer, said the four-day trade fair is considered as one of the biggest marketing events this year for MSMEs in the region.
“Investors from others areas will be coming over to take a look at our products and explore possible linkages or exchanges with our producers,” he said.
Arceno said the products that will be displayed during the fair are all made of indigenous raw materials that are available in the region.
He said they will put up 50 booths at the venue that will be used for free by the featured producers or exhibitors.
Aside from the trade fair and product display, he said they have lined up various side events as well as trainings and seminars for MSMEs and interested residents.
These include “Patok na Negosyo” techno trainings on making trendy beads, pinasugbo, special tamarind and sweet potato candies, siomai and veggie balls, and buko and pineapple pie.
Arceno said there will be showcases on corporate giveaways, presentation of new products and market matching.
He added that they will also launch the improved Region 12 “pasalubong center” inside the SM mall. (MindaNews)
