The Department of Trade and Industry’s campaign to grow exports for the home, holiday décor, and fashion sectors gains momentum as close to 300 exhibitors and 800 local and foreign buyers pre-registered to participate in Manila FAME International trade show this week (October 16-19).
Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo has earlier called on industry players to band together into one signature event for the Philippine furniture industry under the Manila FAME banner. “We are focusing our efforts in areas where we are competitive. Now that we have a unified show for the home and fashion sectors, we look forward to growing our exports to achieve our PEDP target by 2016,” Secretary Domingo said.
The Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2011-2013 outlines key product, market, and promotions strategies to grow Philippine exports to US$120B by 2016. “These strategies are based on the realities in the global supply chain, international negotiations, and innovations in export marketing and promotions,” the trade chief added.
To date, the Philippine home style sector remains among the country’s export winners based on data from the National Statistics Office (NSO). Woodcraft manufactures alone ranked third in total export sales increasing by 70.7% in August 2011 compared to same period last year. Also, holiday décor exports grew by 29.9%, while fine jewelry exports grew by 38.21%.
“Consumers from developed countries like China have become more cosmopolitan and the rising demand of furniture and woodcrafts in Japan, as reconstruction picks up, have helped influence this growth,” said Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Adrian Cristobal Jr. “Manila FAME’s consolidation in promoting one country brand for the sector will further sharpen our competitive advantage and address the emerging markets,” he added.
Philippine baskets and woven products have also found new US clients. The local home décor industry constantly develops more niche markets, thus contributing to the sector’s growth pace.
The Manila FAME International October edition will be the first time the country’s major furniture events are consolidated into an international super show – Manila Now, and Cebu Next. It is organized by the DTI’S Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).
Last April, Philippine business support organizations came together to support the Manila FAME supershow, namely Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF), Cebu FAME, Association of Negros Producers, Cebu GTH, Christmas Décor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines (CDPEAP), Hospitality and Wellness Pilipinas, Home Accents Group of the Philippines, Mindanao Trade Expo, Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries (PCHI), and Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT).
Meantime, the DTI’s Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) also organized buying missions from South Korea, India, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia for the October show. Global brands such as Hallmark, Marks & Spencer, Crate & Barrel, and El Corte Ingles among others have confirmed attendance to the show. Reden Miranda, Public Relations Office, Department of Trade and Industry
