By Alithea De Jesus
The country’s first Virtual National Trade Fair, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in collaboration with the DTI Regional Operations Group, is still online at virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph until Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Exhibitors include over 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the regions showcasing products in the following categories: fashion accessories and wearables, food and beverages, gifts and souvenirs, health and wellness, and home and living.
The purely digital event was formally opened last Wednesday, January 27, through an online ceremony with DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez as the keynote speaker, and with a special message of support from Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. Inspirational messages were also given by Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman of the Trade Promotions Group and Usec. Blesila Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group. Also sending her message for the opening was Asec. Rosvi Gaetos of the Trade Promotions Group. BDTP Marievic Bonoan gave the welcome remarks.
After the opening, the three-day program of webinars garnered a total of around five thousand views on the virtual conference hall and in the social media livestreams. The better-than-expected audience reach of the learning sessions is indicative of the large number of Filipinos aspiring to start their own entrepreneurial ventures.
The virtual exhibition hall, on the other hand, averages about 1,000 – 2,000 registered visitors daily. The Virtual National Trade Fair is accessible online 24/7. On the first four days, from January 27 to 30, exhibitors manned their booths virtually during the show hours from 10AM to 6PM, and were available for real-time chats, meetings, and video calls.
The Virtual National Trade Fair will continue to be accessible online until February 2. Visitors can still register and visit the exhibitors’ booths anytime. Should they have queries or wish to transact business with the exhibitor, they can leave a message so the exhibitor can easily respond to their requirements.
Until February 2, the Virtual National Trade Fair is open to the public, and admission is free. Simply visit virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph and fill in your registration details. Stay informed about the latest updates by following @virtualnatltradefair on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts @BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.
