Pinoy exporters invited to join Indian trade fairs

CEBU, Philippines - As more and more countries expressed their interest in doing business with the Philippines, an earlier report said that India opens opportunities for Filipino exporters and encourage them to join in trade fairs in India.

Cebu-based exporters, on the other hand, proudly say that the creativity and an eye for design of the Filipinos serve as the edge among global manufacturers and traders, thus attracting the affluent tastes of foreign countries.

Cebu - Gifts, Toys and Housewares Foundation, Inc. (GTH) president and Bon-Ace Fashion Tools, Inc. general manager Ramir Bonghanoy said that India is an emerging market for Filipino exporters and such offer from them is a very good development to market medium to high-end quality products.

“They are really serious in their intention to invite Filipino manufacturers and exporters. And in fact, they are hiring some of Filipino designers to work with them,” he added.

Bonghanoy noted that the strength of the Filipinos in the global market is their competitive designs and creativity introducing precious items and possessions that interest buyers and customers all over the world. 

“We are design-driven. Philippines is a source of creative people. It is inherent in all of us,” he stated.

On the other hand, Alma Love Joy Malicay, Executive Director of Cebu Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters said that India is still a new market as of now, which is something that has to be explored.

“Philippines already caters to the needs of the Indian market however, if Filipinos do not participate in their shows, it doesn’t mean we do not cater to the Indian market,” she said.

Malicay noted that there are a number of Indian customers buying Filipino products not just in domestic Indian trade fairs but also international trade shows like in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Cebu FAME has been known for eco-friendly and handmade costume jewelry made from natural materials through which Filipinos stand out in the world of fashion accessories. 

Malicay described Filipino manufacturers and exporters as competitive and nimble since they can adapt to the changing trend of the market easily and has a creative style of making something out of what they have.

“We make and think of extraordinary out of ordinary. We always come up with something new. You have to be ahead and think ahead,” she stated.

A recent report in Philippine Star stated that in a forum on Indian Market Presentation held recently at SMX Convention in Pasay City, Universal Media Group President Liyakat Khan said that contemporary designs of Philippine handicrafts can be popular in the Indian market, thus offering opportunities for them in their country.

PJ Arañador, a Filipino international lifestyle designer, said Filipino exporters can introduce natural organic materials, like rattan, sinamay, abaca fabrics and other contemporary Filipino products in India and target the market of Indian weddings with artistic jewelry packaging and also produce flower vases with an “Indian touch.”

Having worked in India and set up his own eco-fashion show in New Delhi last year, Arañador suggested that Filipino exporters need to establish business matches in India.