One Cebu Expo attracts foreign trade delegations

CEBU, Philippines - The One Cebu Expo, which is now on its third year, has not only proven to have gained national interest but has also successfully attracted the international market with the participation of delegates from China and Korea.

The two-week province-wide exposition, which aims to showcase Cebu’s sophisticated craftsmanship and tourism appeal, opened August 6 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). The event is a project of the Cebu Province led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

This year’s Expo attracted over 300 exhibitors from all over the province and the event’s opening was graced by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senators Loren Legarda and Bong Revilla, and Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos.

International delegates include the 24-men delegation from Guangxi Province in China, a delegation from Korea, members of the country’s Consular Corp and other visitors from other countries.

“One Cebu Expo is strongly getting international attention, it is not only good for exporters here, but most importantly it is becoming an important vehicle for each town in the province to promote their respective tourism attraction and products,” said One Cebu chairman Enrisson Benedicto.

Benedicto further said that exporters are also benefiting from the expo as they are also penetrating the local market while waiting for the international market to recover from the impact of the global economic recession.

“Guitars, Mangoes, Magellan’s Cross, Cebu is more than just these iconic images. One Cebu is going beyond the usual Cebu and is trying to showcase Cebu’s best, Cebuano originality and craftsmanship—industrial innovation of the north and the colonial charm of the South, indeed Cebu is rich in culture, heritage and creativity,” Benedicto said.

 Now on its third year, Benedicto said One Cebu aims to establish a strong brand to attract local and international buyers as well as to encourage foreign trade delegations to visit every year.

Success stories of start-up entrepreneurs from rural towns have been increasing every year. Benedicto said exhibitors from different towns in the past two years were able to increase their market coverage and are now serving big retail chains or sub-contractors of export companies.

“One Cebu Expo” also complements the annual CebuNext (Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition), which is equally promoting Cebu’s creativity to the world market. (FREEMANSPORTS)