Two decades of selling the best products of Central Luzon have made the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair a much awaited special event for the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

 

Now on its 20th year, more than 160 MSMEs from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Eicja, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales are expected to showcase their products to cater to local and international buyers. The Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair 2018 will be held at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong City from 10 to 14 October 2018. The opening of the fair is expected to be attended by key government officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local officials from the seven provinces of Central Luzon.

 

Sellers from Aurora are expected to showcase their well-known sabutan products, chocolates and banana chips while Bataan MSMEs will sell their marine products and delicacies. Bulacan will again showcase their delicately made jewelries, bags and processed meat products while Nueva Ecija entrepreneurs will bring their dairy products, footwear and metalworks to the fair. Pampanga participants will sell their famous lanterns, homemade nuts and delicacies while Tarlac will showcase their pottery, home décor and wine. The best of Zambales’ products such as mango based delicacy, wine and chicharon will also be in display.

 

There will also be an exhibit of prototypes of products that were the result of the OTOP Next Generation project where the DTI provided MSMEs with design consultancy, product development services and product labeling design assistance. A demonstration on accessories making and sabutan weaving will also be conducted during the event.

 

Because of the annual conduct of the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair, a significant number of Central Luzon MSMEs have captured wider markets, with some being able to sell to some of the big retail industries in manila as well as international buyers. Last year, the 150 sellers were able to earn more than Php 40 Million in sales, aside from getting institutional clients.

 

Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is the major regional trade promotion activity jointly organized by the DTI-3 and Philexport – Region 3, with the support of the Regional Development Council – Region 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI). The event is also supported by a media partnership with WhenInManila.com, Philippine Information Agency and other media organizations.♦