Trade show outcome proves investors confidence in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – The confidence of local and international investors on Cebu's economy and the country in general manifested in the results of the Manufacturing Technology Cebu 2010 (Manutech Cebu), one of the country's largest business and machinery technology exhibition and conferences, held last week at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Patrick Lawrence Tan, chief executive officer of the trade show organizer, Global-Link MP Events International Inc., said that the participation of more than 180 exhibiting companies, occupying over 300 booths that showcased products and services from 23 countries is a "clear and positive sign that things are moving towards the right direction and the confidence of business is back."

"We have had a record breaking result this year. The numbers are growing," he told The Freeman.

Global-Link considered the event's Cebu-leg as "one of the most successful" shows as it registered more than 15,000 trade buyers and the exhibitors' reported on-site sales amounting to more than P28 million in just three days and a projected additional sale of more than P18 million to be closed in the next three months.

"This is an amazing feat. It even exceeded the show results in Manila ," Tan said.

Global-Link, a pioneer in the country's exhibition conference industry, has been organizing the Manutech show for fourteen years now. The Manutech Cebu coincides with three expos-the T.O.P.S. (total office products and services showcase) Show Cebu ; the Cebu Food Expo; and the C.I.T.E. (Cebu International Travel Expo) 2010. The event has been a venue where technology, products and services from all over the world that aim to address the growing needs of local businessmen, exporters and manufacturers to remain global competitive are being showcased.

"Combining inter-related sectors, this show answers business needs and provides quality solutions at the best deals possible - all in one venue. Whether you want to develop your manufacturing process, improve your work space, or simply get a taste of something exciting, Manufacturing Technology Cebu 2010 and its coinciding shows have the something for you. Experience the convergence of technologies and markets under one roof as decision-makers from procurement, design, development, and production come by the hundreds to this three-day trade event," Tan said.

Aside from the expositions, Manutech Cebu also presented a variety of learning opportunities through seminars and special business conferences.

"This is the only event that perfectly combines business and leisure. We believe that with a unique market like Cebu , having mix products is a huge advantage for the visitors because most real buyers are involved in multi-business units. We wanted to create a one-stop shop for all the visitors to the show," Tan said.

He said that with the one-stop shop event, Global-Link's vision of returning investor confidence and business growth in the years to come will be realized.

"The results proved that we are headed towards the right direction," Tan said. (THE FREEMAN)