DTI to Showcase Top Cebu Products in APEC Exhibit

When delegates to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 meetings arrive by late August, they will have access to the best products that Cebu has to offer.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas Director Aster C. Caberte said they will set up Shop Philippines, an exhibit featuring top local brands, in collaboration with private sector partners from August 22 to September 8, 2015 at the Northwing of SM City Cebu.

“We will display wearables, accessories, home decor, and furniture on curated basis. An independent group will choose who can display their wares in the exhibit. We want to put our best foot forward. This is the message we want to convey,” she added.

The exhibit will have a soft opening on August 20 and a grand one on September 4 with all the APEC senior officials expected to be present.

According to Caberte, SM City Cebu executives have committed to provide entertainment during the grand opening in the form of a full orchestra. They’ve also agreed to let organizers utilize the whole SM Northwing area for the duration of the activity.

She added that part of the high-end exhibit will be a fashion show featuring creations of local designers in August 24, still at SM Northwing.

Since the selection process for Shop Philippines is stringent, Caberte said they are thinking of organizing a trade fair for other local suppliers possibly at the SM Atrium during the same period. This gives manufacturers another venue for showcasing their products.

DTI put up a similar Shop Philippines exhibit for the APEC meetings in Boracay, and it was just a small four meters by four meters glass kiosk set up at the lobby of Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa.

“We didn’t expect the sales to be as high as that (in Boracay). This time, we’re going all out with the exhibit in Cebu,” she cited.

www.cebu.gov.ph