THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Iloilo province is urging small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to have an online presence and target millennials to expand their markets. “There is a need to make sure that you have both an online presence and brick and mortar a in a digitized economy,” DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes said during last week’s opening ceremony for the Artesanias de Iloilo Trade Fair. She also underscored the need for SMEs to develop products for millennials, or those currently within the early 20’s to late 30’s age group, because this is a market that has purchasing power. “We want that your produce and develop products that are really needed by the market, especially the millennials… Develop new and innovative products for the millennials because these are those with huge purchasing power, but don’t forget other markets,” Ms. Pollentes said. “Innovation need not start from innovation. It can be an existing product that you can add something, which you see is not being served by the market,” she added, noting that DTI has assistance programs as well as shared service facilities that SMEs can tap. Around 50 exhibitors participated in the five-day Artesanias de Iloilo Trade Fair, including producers of food and crafts, home furinishings and wearables, bamboo products, and beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

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