BACOLOD City – Negrense entrepreneurs selling their products in the 33rd Negros Trade Fair (NTF) in Makati City raked in P6.8 million in sales in their first two days alone.
Sellers in the six-day event, held at the Glorietta Activity Center until Sept. 30, earned P1.4 million during the Arima Day on Tuesday, Sept. 25, and P5.4 million during the first day of the trade fair on Wednesday.
Some 70 producers are participating in this year’s event themed, “Sweet Talk: Sugar and Spice, Awesome and Nice”, organized by the Association of Negros Producers in collaboration with the Negros Occidental’s provincial government and government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry.
Organizers said brisk sales were noted among furniture and food products.
During the “Arima” or opening night, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. noted that the Negros Trade Fair has grown by leaps and bounds, taking pride in the annual event showcasing to the world the best products of Negros Occidental.
The Negros Trade Fair shows “what is Negros today,” which is “a new generation of people, a new generation of products for a new generation of customers,” said events chairperson, Catherine Cusi-Lobaton.
“For 33 years, our collaboration with the province of Negros Occidental and other public and private partners has enabled new industries to grow and become sustainable,” she added.
DTI-Negros Occidental Director Lea Gonzales said they have provided assistance to some of the participating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through product development under the OTOP (One Town, One Product) Next Generation Program.
Gonzales said 26 producers, who were provided with designs, are showcasing their prototypes at the trade fair.
“We are looking forward not only to more cash sales but booked orders so there will be more production in the coming months,” she said. (PNA)
