Entrepreneurs from the seven provinces of Central Luzon will showcase great finds and great buys in the upcoming Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair 2019. The Likha trade fair is one of the most awaited trade events for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
Now on its 21st year of being held in Metro Manila, the Likha Trade Fair has benefitted thousands of traders who have participated since 1998. More than 160 MSMEs from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Eicja, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales are expected to showcase their products to local and international buyers.
With the theme “Great Finds, Great Buys,” the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair 2019 will be held at the SM Mega Trade Hall 2 in Mandaluyong City from October 2 to 6, 2018. The opening of the fair is expected to be attended by key government officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, other national agencies and local officials from the seven provinces of Central Luzon.
Sellers from Aurora are expected to showcase their well-known bamboo, driftwood and sabutan products while Bataan MSMEs will sell their housewares, marine products and peanut delicacies. Bulacan will again showcase their world class handmade jewelries, turmeric, bags and sauces. Entrepreneurs from Nueva Ecija will showcase their barongs, footwear and mushroom products to the fair. Pampanga participants will sell their famous lanterns, homemade nuts and delicacies while Tarlac will showcase their pottery, home décor and potato wine. The best of Zambales’ products such as cashew, bignay wine and chicharon will also be on display.
A special setting showing prototypes of products that were the results of product cliniquing and design development services under the OTOP Next Generation project will be featured. Under the project, the DTI provided MSMEs from Central Luzon with design consultancy, product development services and packaging and labeling design assistance.
Central Luzon MSMEs have captured wider markets and mainstreamed their products in major malls and stores because of their exposure in the Likha Trade Fair. Many of the participating entrepreneurs have been able to sell to some of the big retail chains in the National Capital Region. Some have already gone to cater to international buyers.
This year, the Likha exhibitors target to earn more than Php 40 Million in sales, aside from getting booked orders.
Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is the major regional trade promotion activity jointly organized by the DTI-3 and Philexport – Region 3, with the support of the Regional Development Council – Region 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI).
The event is also supported by a media partnership with Philippine Information Agency, Philippine News Agency and other media organizations.