DTI-3 OIC director Leonila Baluyut. Contributed photo
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The coronavirus disease pandemic notwithstanding, the Department of Trade and Industry will continue to hold trade fairs as part of its priority programs for 2021.
DTI Central Luzon OIC-regional director Leonila Baluyut said trade fairs are primarily aimed at supporting micro and small enterprises in the region togenerate more sales and provide income and employment in the countryside.
“By participating in different trade fairs, whether online or physically, we can be assured that our micro, small, and medium enterprises continue to earn and sustain their operations so that they can continue to produce quality products,” Baluyut said.
For 2021, at least 19 trade fairs are slated to be participated in by DTI-3 along with its seven provincial offices, including the much anticipated 23rd run of the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair.
“We are also set to join other national and international fairs and exhibits including the National Trade Fair Digital Mall, Manila FAME, Virtual National Trade Fair, and the 13th run of the International Food Exhibition–NXTFOODASIA. These trade fairs are organized by the DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade and Promotion and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions in cooperation with the DTI Regional Operations Group,” she added.
Meanwhile, Baluyut said that to prepare MSMEs in the new normal course of transacting, DTI is capacitating them to do e-commerce by training and linking them to popular online selling platforms.
“We are training our MSMEs on how to maximize the use of technology and online platforms not only to advertise and sell their products but also learn the mechanics of online payments. This is to help in ensuring virtually contactless transactions to follow health protocols,” she said.
The official also invited those who are interested to join trade fairs to register through the nearest Negosyo Center or DTI provincial office in their area.
In 2020, despite the ongoing pandemic, DTI 3 was able to assist 1,364 MSMEs to participate in 98 local, national and international trade fairs, which generated total sales of P70,317,033. —Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA–3
