Export-capable PH SMEs ready to meet over 5,000 foreign businessmen & trade visitors in October 2015 Manila FAME

Over 400 Philippine small and medium enterprises are ready to transact business and close export deals with more than 5,000 foreign and local wholesale and retail buyers and visitors for home, fashion, and lifestyle products in the upcoming October 2015 Manila FAME exhibition.

The participating SMEs in Manila FAME have been rigorously improving their products-diversifying and ensuring the quality of their output to secure a top spot in the highly competitive global market. With the devaluation of China's currency creating an economic boost that spans the Asia-Pacific region, these SMEs which are highly involved in the export industry are expecting a growth trend that will continue over the coming months.

SMEs play a significant role in the economy, accounting for 99.6 percent of the country's businesses and employing around 70 percent of the Philippine workforce. Empowering and supporting SMEs by providing them various platforms for brand-building and global export is therefore imperative to the growth of the economy.

The Manila FAME exhibition will show on 1518 October the outcome of several continuous development platforms designed to help SMEs create a niche in the international market.

The Artisan Village, NeoTextiles Philippines, and OTOP Marketplace will showcase the heritage crafts of Albay, Laguna, Cagayan Valley, Davao Region; various natural fiber products; fabrics handwoven by indigenous groups from southern Philippines; and home and fashion merchandise made using traditional materials and techniques. These special platforms for grassroots organizations and craft communities in the rural areas aspire to nurture the traditional arts and crafts industry in the provinces and to help these groups to sustain livelihood by updating their merchandise, establishing a brand, and preparing them for business transactions with global companies.

The Light & Shadow, Red Box, and Manila Wear will present newly crafted lighting, fashion accessories and apparel, and furniture crafted by emerging Philippine talents who will be the future of design. These programs gather young, promising designers from all parts of the country and urge them to expand their capabilities, master their skills, and create innovate products that reflect their unique design sensibilities.

The Manila Gusto Gallery: In Pursuit of Pleasure will exhibit the new products of 21 Philippine export companies manufacturing dinnerware and table accessories. These products have been developed for the international market through the assistance of German consultant Detlef Klatt who will also curate the exhibit. The companies participating in this platform are established firms with years of experience in the export industry and stable clients from abroad.

The Manila FAME Design & Lifestyle Event is scheduled on 15-18 October 2015, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines. It is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.