"Orgullo kan Bikol" Trade Fair Set on October 7-10

Legazpi City (27 September) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bikol will stage anew the the "Orgullo kan Bikol" Regional Trade Fair on October 7-10, 2010 at Megatrade Hall 2, of the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

DTI Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn L.B. Blanco said the trade fair is an annual marketing event where Bikol's homegrown entrepreneurs are afforded valuable market exposure showcasing the region's distinct products, ethnic foods, and delicacies, among others.

Blanco averred that the "Orgullo kan Bikol" is now on its 14th year and acclaimed to be the longest running DTI-organized trade fair in the country.

Blanco furthered that DTI remains committed to provide its clients the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) better avenues to promote their fine products.

"By way of trade fairs, we enjoin domestic and foreign buyers to take a closer look and become more aware of what our homegrown MSMEs produce. We also encourage our MSMEs to continuously improve and become more globally competitive despite difficult times," she explained.

The agency has aptly chosen this year's theme "Weaving Opportunities", to unite opportunities in pursuit of fresh markets for these entrepreneurs.

For this year, a total of 103 manufacturers/exhibitors will join the event, including 32 traders coming from Albay; Camarines Sur, 22; Catanduanes,10; Sorsogon, 18; Masbate, 5; Camarines Norte, 10; and, 8 from beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

"It will feature 20 new participants, who will now be given full marketing assistance by the DTI via this trade fair," she said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bikol will also join as an institutional exhibitor.

DTI has also slated the Bicol Investment Conference (BICon) on October 8 at 1:00 pm at the SM Megamall Conference Center, also highlighting the trade fair.

BICon aims to present potential Bikol investment areas/projects for promotion to investors and synchronize investment promotion activities by stakeholders and concerned institutions in the region. (DTI V/PIA/mal)