Citem targets Korea for homeware exports

With the country’s cutting-edge designs and craftsmanship, the Department of Trade and Industry through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) is targeting Korea as a viable market for homeware exports.

Many of these “artisanal” homeware, according to Citem, will be exhibited at the  Seoul Gift Show on Sept. 20 to 23.

Organized by Citem in cooperation with the Asean-Korea Centre, this third Philippine participation in the gift show takes advantage of the growing Asian gift market for innovative and functional designs.

“The Seoul Gift Show is a great opportunity to position Philippine homeware as products of premium artisanal quality that adheres to the Asian market’s demand. We hope to be able to tap new markets and open more business opportunities for our exporters by participating in the gift show,” says executive director Rosvi C. Gaetos of Citem, the country’s export marketing authority.

At the Seoul Gift Show, Philippine companies Arden Classic Inc. and CSM Philippines Inc. will exhibit premium and creatively designed homeware as part of their booth presentation in the Asean Pavilion.

Both companies will exhibit handcrafted, functional, and environment-friendly products. Arden Classic’s decorative accessories and gifts are made of such indigenous materials as seashells, abaca fibers, coconut shells, and fish skin, while CSM Philippines’ products are made of fine bone china and porcelain.

Gaetos adds the Philippine exhibits in the gift fair could provide a glimpse of some of the products to be featured in the Manila FAME on Oct. 17 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.