PH to stage 1st garments, leather goods expo

MANILA -- The country will be hosting the first Philippine Garment, Leather Goods Industries, and Fabrics Expo on August 23 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City to showcase the opportunities in this sector in the domestic market.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investment Managing Director Ceferino Rodolfo said the expo aims to highlight the capabilities of Philippine garments and wearable exporters to produce high quality products for global brands.

It will also put in the spotlight the local garments and footwear manufacturers that cater to the more than 100 million Filipino market.

The expo is organized by the Philippine Exhibits and Trade Corp. and Hong Kong-based CP Exhibition Ltd.

Aside from local players in the garments, leather goods, and fabrics sector, global manufacturers from China, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam will be participating in the expo.

Rodolfo said the expo also aims to link the Philippine manufacturers to global players in the industry in a bid to improve the value chain of this sector in the domestic market.

He added that the expo is timely event since the government has been rolling out programs to boost the manufacturing sector.

He said the garments industry is one of the top two job-generating industries in the country along with food processing.

“If you really want to generate employment, we have to really target this sector,” said Rodolfo.

Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines Executive Director Maritess Jocson-Agoncillo noted that global players in this sector are looking into the huge market base and the rising purchasing power in the country.

“With income increasing every year, the propensity to purchase things, any garment company that will venture into the business has a potential to look into this country,” Agoncillo said.

“With the exhibitors and suppliers, which can help local companies, local brands, this [expo] would assist them a lot,” she added.

More than 80 companies are expected to participate in the expo. (PNA)