Expo, forum to highlight natural fibers

MANILA, Philippines - The Second International Arts and Crafts Expo of the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (Ahpada) and the International Conference on Business Opportunities in Natural Fibers will be held Oct. 26-28 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the expo creates face-to-face contacts, disseminates market information, and triggers networking among buyers and sellers of raw materials, processed goods, and services in one place.

The forum, meanwhile, will result in a set of recommendations by the conferees of natural fibers.

The trade expo and business forum are part of the country’s contribution to the declaration by the United Nations general assembly of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers.

Cooperatives, chambers, retailers, merchandisers, exporters, manufacturers, fashion designers, academe, students may contact the secretariat, Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation (Philsmed) at 392-75-50 (Ava Puzon), 834-29-94 and 0916-374-6692 (Mobie Regalado) or email [email protected].

The Department of Agriculture is a lead partner in organizing the expo along with the Philippine Tourism Authority, Aphada, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Duty-Free Philippines, Ambiance by Pido (Event Stylist), Cebu Pacific, PLDt-SME Nation, Manila Bulletin and Lupel Marketing.

Yap said the use of natural fibers has been expanding as industrial raw materials for the making of clothing, car accessories, textiles, handmade paper and sheets, converted items, fibercrafts, furniture, upholstery, pulp and specialty paper and cordage.

Among the Philippine natural fibers are abaca, pina, cotton, maguey, salago, ramie, kenaf, coconut coir, banana, buri, and water hyacinths.

Some 20 Asia-Pacific countries are sending delegations. Aside from the Philippines and Asean countries, participating are the China, India, Korea, Mongolia, Maldives, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States.