MikeLigalig.com

A total of 208 exhibitors are showcasing their world class products in the 14th Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) which opened Thursday at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Convention Hall here. The expo will run until Aug. 22.

These micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are occupying the 100 well designed and decorated booths filled with environment-friendly products as embodied in the 14th MTE’s theme of Mindanao Trade Expo… Eco-ing Traditions”. The products are ranging from gifts, toys, and house wares (GTH), fashion accessories, furniture and furnishings, fresh and processed foods to investment and tourism opportunities.

MTE Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) president and 14th MTE chairman Ann T. Pamintuan, in her opening remarks read by Noemi Avanceña, said that since 1996, the expo had been the window for Mindanao products to the world.

“Over the years, the expo has really been the platform for Mindanao MSMEs’ creations. It has been there to help them promote their products, but more importantly, their creativity and commitment, as shown in every creation being displayed in their respective booths," she said.

Since 1996 (except for 2008 when no MTE was held) until last year, the expo has successfully cornered a total of P703 million from 577 buyers.

Pamintuan is optimistic the momentum which it has continuously been reaping over the years will be sustained, considering that the products on display and for sale during the MTE have been improving year-on-year.

“We have to keep on conducting trainings and seminars with the help of international consultants to ensure that the quality and design of our products are improving, and definitely not downgrading,” she said.

Pamintuan said that MTEFI hoped that by pushing eco-friendly products, it would be able “to create a paradigm shift and make people realize that doing business at the same time protecting our environment can be a good mix”.

“We are aware of an increasing demand for green products in the global market. Green products, meaning raw materials taken directly from the plant source. It is now an emerging trend and let this be a call to our entrepreneurs to find creative ways to adapt to this development,” she said.

Meanwhile, 14th MTE Participation Committee chairman Betty More said that in capturing the global market for green products, there must be technology advancement.

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