MANILA: Seeking to improve Philippine participation in trade fairs abroad, the country’s Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Departments Trade and Industry (DTI) have been urged to “work together” and participate in international exhibitions to promote Filipino products.
“We have so many products to offer the world, it is not right to appear inferior next to our neighboring countries,” Business Mirror quoted Sen. Cynthia Villar as saying. “Trade fairs present the opportunity to market the produce of our farmers and raise global awareness on our country’s world-class products and services.”
Last month, Villar led the Philippine delegation to China’s second- largest international trade event, the China-Asean Expo (CAExpo) in Nanning, Guangxi province. The Philippine CAExpo contingent involved 28 companies, compared to about 200 firms from Vietnam, the report said.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, on his part, vowed to participate in more trade fairs, including one in southern California in November, to promote the Cordillera farmers’ heirloom rice, coco chips, and other organic and high-value crops, said the news portal.
Sen. Loren Legarda, meanwhile, reportedly expressed support for both regional and international fairs for farmers.
