Davao Oriental SMEs prepare for world market

Jan. 20, 2008

AT LEAST two small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Davao Oriental are now being developed to readily compete during the National Trade Fair (NTF) set next year.

The NTF is regarded as among the top and tough trade exhibits organized annually by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

As DTI 11 would put it, the NTF is tough since not all SMEs in the region can join. Participants to this national exhibit are chosen based on the quality of their products, production capacity, and export potentials.

Moreover, the NTF is also dubbed as the Exporters Fair because of the huge number of exporters and foreign buyers it constantly captures.

The Davao Oriental-based SMEs who will be included in the directory of NTF 08 are the Mandaya Dabaw and Dagmay Weaving and RV Berato Pebbles and Concrete Products.

The Mandaya Dabaw and Dagmay Weaving produces bags, wallets, purses, and convention folders made of dagmay, an abaca woven cloth. It has been in the business for about 10 years already.

DTI Field Office in Davao Oriental said that the products of the said enterprise can already compete with their counterparts considering the quality and design of their products.

On the other hand, RV Berato Pebbles and Concrete products is into trading of garden stones made from pebbles, which are used as home and garden dcor.

DTI-DO said that joining the NTF connotes cost, however, success stories of some SMEs tell us that through these activities, they were able to get bulk orders and meet institutional clients both local and international.

Thus, joining in this kind of activity will open opportunities such as widening market reach and getting insights and advises on improving product design, DTI-DO concluded.

The entire Davao Region will be sending a total of 15 SMEs from all over the region.

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