MSMEs prove export potential in gov’t fair

LOCAL firms raked in some P16.75 million in cash sales and booked orders at an annual national food fair, a government-sponsored event to prepare the country’s micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) for potential expansion in overseas markets.

Last year, the five-day Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair recorded only P11.77 million worth of sales, the Department of Trade and Industry said Monday.

Organized by the DTI, the fair showcased 163 MSMEs from 16 regions and their respective products, which included processed fruits and vegetables, dairy products, snacks, condiments, processed marine and meat products, native delicacies, rice, sugar, various sweeteners and cooked food.

“Beyond the number of exhibitors or the gross value of transactions that we had, we also counted among our achievements the opportunities that we have given to our food entrepreneurs,” said Trade Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado. Amy R. Remo