Exporters reap upbeat sales, orders from APEC delegates

CEBU, Philippines - Exhibitors of the ongoing "Exquisitely Filipino" exhibit reported encouraging sales turn out, as shopping interest from the APEC delegates heightens.

Lead exhibit organizer, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) regional director Asteria Caberte, revealed that aside from the individual purchase of fashion accessories, small home accents for souvenir purposes, some exhibitors have already booked bulk orders from delegates, whose purchased products will be shipped to their respective countries.

"Some of the delegates are also businessmen,' said Caberte mentioning that most of the top selling products include fashion accessories, uniquely crafted scented candles, office fixtures, among others.

The total 48 exhibitors located in two separate areas at the SM City Cebu, mostly exporters of furniture, fashion accessories, gifts, decors and housewares, are strictly mandated to peg their prices at factory level.

According to Caberte, this is not only to attract more buyers from over two thousand delegates, but also to further stimulate the local market.

Early this week, the artisan exhibit opened its second venue at SM Atrium, adding the options showcased at the SM Northwing area.

Members of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., (CFIF), Fashion Accessory Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME), Gifts, Decors and Housewares (Cebu-GDH), are actively participating the exhibit, including other individual entrepreneurs and artisans.

‘Exquisitely Filipino’ is a trade exhibit showcasing Filipino craftsmanship of export-quality products formally opened on August 22, coinciding with the APEC meetings being held in Cebu City.

The merchandise being featured in the exhibit are done by Filipino artisans, most of whom are based in Cebu.

A partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Cebu Provincial Government, and SM City Cebu, the exhibit Exquisitely Filipino is located at the Northwing Atrium of the said mall and will run until September 8. — Ehda M. Dagooc (FREEMAN)