OVER 300 homegrown micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are joining the 65th edition of Manila FAME this month, with the end goal of tapping a significant share of the $217-trillion global real-estate market.
According to Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) Executive Director Clayton Tugonon, the first leg for this year’s event promises a wider range of product options for the home, fashion and lifestyle industries.
“We will offer our global buyers a visually exciting and fulfilling sourcing experience,” he said, without divulging the exact target amount of the international property market they aim to corner with the three-day event.
He cited, though, the encouraging interest as shown from the positive turnout of importers, retailers, wholesalers, merchandising agents, traders, architects and interior designers across nine foreign markets that have already started signing up for their attendance.
They come from the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
“We’re about 98-percent booked. In fact, we have to say no to the late registrants. I think, it is going to be a very, very interesting show,” he revealed.
The April edition opens opportunities for local MSMEs to showcase the Filipino design and craftsmanship, as they leverage on the booming global market for design services, architectural and interior contract business in the property and tourism sectors.
“As Asia’s premier design and lifestyle event, Manila FAME is in a strategic position to zero in on the huge demand in the international contract markets that will secure new trade deals and much-needed job opportunities for Philippine manufacturers, exporters, business-support organizations and designers,” he said.
Bright prospects continue for real estate and tourism sectors worldwide on the back of constant developments taking place the world over.
Global property adviser Savills estimated that the real-estate business across the globe has grown by leaps and bounds into a $217-trillion industry as of 2015.
The company added that this sector will have a bigger impact on global fiscal situations and investment activity, which, eventually, will drive economic growth here and abroad.
Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers, on the other hand, reported last year that the fast-growing tourist travels, technological advances and globalization contribute a lot in the property and hospitality industries.
Meanwhile, Tourico Holiday showed in its 2017 Global Hotel Trends report that almost all of the major travel regions overseas-wide are now outpacing their hotel bookings in 2016, whereas the total number of room booking per night hiked at 28.7 percent.
The Manila FAME will serve as a venue for buyers and visitors to source through a cornucopia of Philippine indigenous materials for home, fashion, holiday, architectural and interior design, as well as find new design perspectives, unique material applications and novel ideas from local talents.
Also, this event will bring together world-renowned Filipino brands and artisans and craftsmen from regional groups and grassroots communities nationwide. Expected to headline the exhibition are some of the top-earners from the previous editions: Luzon Rattan Industries; Philippine Treasures Inc.; Jalikee Arts and Craft; Prado Filipino Artisans; Basket & Weaves Handicraft Manufacturing; Obra Cebuana Furniture Designs Inc.; CM Bamboo Craft Center; Cubo Philippines; Cyprea International Inc.; and Shell Arts Co., Inc.
Organized by Citem—the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry—Manila FAME is the second longest-running show in the country approved by Paris-based exposition group Union des Foires Internationales.
This biannual business platform of export-ready and finely crafted furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion accessories will take place at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center from April 21 to 23.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza