THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) organized a business mission with 14 Philippine lifestyle businesses to Dubai this week, according to a statement from DTI.
“Bringing Philippines’ contract furniture, furnishing, fashion, and apparel sectors in Dubai will help them gain more exposure for INDEX Dubai 2019 and in anticipation for the country’s participation in Dubai Expo 2020 presenting a golden chance to showcase the Philippine country brand,” DTI Trade Promotions Group Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman was quoted as saying.
INDEX Dubai is the Middle East’s largest lifestyle exhibition. Dubai is also the site of the 2020 World Expo, a six-month event that showcases the achievements of nations.
The Philippine business contingent on Sunday met with retailers, distributors, real estate and hotel developers, interior designers, architectural firms, fit-out contractors and real estate and construction managers.
DTI said it is tapping into the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) large retail market as the country has become a top trader in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The UAE also has an expanding real estate sector, including hotel, residential, and commercial construction. It has potential access to as many as 430 million consumers in the wider region.
“UAE [has a] reputation of being a fertile ground for company setup because of its commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification, progressive-minded government, and liberal corporate policies,” DTI said in its statement.
DTI added it is reaching out to the young and affluent population at the GCC.
“Middle East still remains to be largely untapped for Philippine lifestyle products but there are concrete indications of interest from buyers,” Mr. Macatoman said.
The companies in the business mission include ARDEN Classic, Bidibidi Enterprise, Bon-Ace Fashion Tools, Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corp., Furniture Doctor, Golden ABC, Kenro Boutique, More Than A Chair, Pascasio Pottery, DELCO Wood Producers Manufacturing/Renditions Furniture and Accessories, Cebu Homecraft, Kit Silver, Mel+Marie, and Betis Crafts. — JPI
