Exporters bolster effort to widen customer base

Despite the US currency slowly gaining ground against the Philippine peso, Cebu’s export sector refuses to take a break but instead strengthens its effort to expand its customer base as competition continues to build up.

PhilExport-Cebu recently announced a series of educational trainings for export players to sustain their businesses and expand their market scope, specifically in Europe.

Although, penetrating the huge European market has become an advocacy of the sector for the past years, continuous efforts is being pushed to provide exporters the "know-how" of effective marketing campaign for the European market.

Come September 22, PhilExport-Cebu together with CBI-Netherlands (Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) will host a "Customer Lifestyle and its Influence on Product Development" seminar, to be able guide exporters in familiarizing the new trends in contemporary design in Europe, mainly furniture and home accessory makers.

To be conducted by PhilExport-Cebu consultant for marketing and branding Sabine Schacknat, the seminar which will be held at the Casino Español, will provide insights to exporters in how to research on trends and lifestyle of the target market.

It also aims at providing deeper understanding in the importance and meaning of conceptual thinking, while recognizing the underlying reasons for customer behavior.

Another product development seminar will also be held on September 23 to 25 at the Casino Español, dubbed "Product Development Training for Home Textiles and Home Decoration Accessories & Gifts." —Ehda M. Dagooc