DTI-7 to set up shopping showcase for APEC meet

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) and the APEC-National Coordinating Council are working closely in mounting the largest "Cebu's Bests" shopping showcase to catch the attention of APEC delegates.

Tentatively slated on August 24 to September 8, the Shop Philippines' –Cebu version to be situated in a 1,200 square-meter area at SM City Northwing, will converge all makers, retailers of Cebu's products from furniture, fashion, accessories, home decors, and processed food, among others, said DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte.

In an interview with Caberte, she said that this shopping exhibition intends to entice APEC delegates with Cebu's world-class products.

Early is year, DTI mounted a Shop Philippines event in Boracay as part to boost the development "travel retail" campaign of the government, as well as a dry-run event in preparation for promoting the country's shopping advantage to APEC delegates.

This time, Cebu will hold its own version of Shop Philippines' series, closely working with the organizing committee of the APEC.

Caberte believes that aside from expecting good sales during the three-week shopping exhibit, displaying the best products to the most influential people in the world, is a good pitch for Cebu to promote its products to the export market.

Besides, she said this is also another avenue for Cebuanos to take advantage of the promising prospects of the "travel retail" agenda.

Caberte will also work with industry organizations like the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF), Cebu Gifts, Decors and Housewares, Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME), local fashion designers, souvenir makers and retailers to make sure that what will be showcased in event are of top quality and authentically Cebu-made. — (FREEMAN)