CEBU, Philippines – It’s all systems go for this year’s One Cebu exhibition next month with the number of exhibitors almost double to that of last year’s.
Enrison Benedicto, chairperson of One Cebu, said 300 exhibitors from small and medium enterprises in various industries such as furniture, gifts toys, accessories, spa and wellness, hotel and resorts have confirmed to participate in the 10-day event.
Last year, One Cebu drew 160 exhibitors.
One Cebu is a province-wide exhibition organized by the provincial government and participated in by local government units and the private sector. This year’s exhibition will be held at the Cebu International Convention Center on August 7 to 16.
The objective of the exhibition is to bring bring small businesses and industries of the island to the attention of the international market.
“We hit our target, which is 300. We almost doubled this year,” Benedicto said, adding that representatives from Russia are expected to grace the opening of the event.
Benedicto said export-related organizations like the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation; Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters in Cebu; and Gifts, Toys, and Housewares Exporters are helping invite foreign buyers to the event.
Invitations have reportedly been sent to Moscow Chamber of Commerce, and other business organizations in Russia and China, the first time that the event is extending its marketing campaign to the international market.
“We want to make it big, not only to generate business, but also to spur tourism in Cebu,” Benedicto said.
The first One Cebu event last year provided business opportunities for start-up entrepreneurs and gave birth to bulk-buying deals with buyers such as the Torta making in Argao, cassava chips, and candle making, and cottage cheese making, among others.
During the event, each participating LGU shall provide their best delicacy or tourism-related services, but not necessarily the products or services that are already identified by the One-Town-One-Product campaign of the Department of Trade and Industry.
ATM machines will be put up near the expo area and credit cards will be accepted to hasten purchases. Purchases will be paid through a centralized cashier system. — Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)