The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) showcased early holiday decor and home furnishings at the 2016 Celebrate! Decorate! Dreamland: Accents and Décor Trade Fair in Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.

Participated in by over fifty (50) local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from different regions, this year’s trade fair was organized in partnership with the Philippine Home and Holiday Décor Association, Inc. From handwoven Christmas gift items to woodcrafts, all products are displayed for potential trade buyers, suppliers, and individuals.

 

“It is just July but we are bringing holiday décor to our trade buyers and visitors to help them gather enough suppliers and give them ample time for possible partnerships this coming holiday season,” said BDTP Director Rhodora Leaño. 

 

In a report released by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2014, woodcrafts and furniture ranks 6th among the top 10 Philippine exports for goods with a total value of US$ 3,334 million. Despite global decline in exports, Philippine woodcrafts and furnishings are much in demand for their unique and artisanal vibe.

 

“We are known for having quality products since most of our offerings are handmade. These are products that are not just the best in quality but carry a lot of stories from our roots as Filipinos,” said DTI Undersecretary for Industry Promotion Group Nora K. Terrado.

 

During the event, Terrado also encouraged key industry players to regain the industry’s momentum by offering diversified products and to further expand their markets by tapping preferential and free trade agreements that the Philippines currently enjoys with several countries.

 

“The world market today is an exciting place where innovation and competitiveness are no longer new. Now, I challenge our local MSMEs to create a mindset of penetrating not just the local markets but mainstream markets abroad,” added Terrado.

 

2016 Celebrate! Decorate! is part of the initiatives of the DTI Industry Promotion Group in helping local entrepreneurs though market linkage and promotion. It will run from July 18 to 24 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.