• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Trade Fair, the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair in Metro Manila now on its 39th year, makes its historic debut at SM Aura Premier and SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City on Sept. 23 to 28.
This year’s theme is “Himbon”, a Hiligaynon word meaning “to gather.”
The annual trade fair, which is hosted by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), serves as a powerful platform to uplift and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
It is also expected to welcome visitors from all walks of life, who are seeking authentic, sustainable, and locally-rooted products, among others.
Through the trade fair, ANP members and other MSMEs have been given the opportunity to reach bigger and better markets.
With the creation of Negros Island Region (NIR), the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor will also have booths to display their products, said Mary Ann Colmenares, co-chairperson of the Negros Trade Fair.
“Having the bigger venue, we will be able to accommodate more people, who wanted to discover what Negros has to offer,” Colmenares said.
ANP president Christina Gaston said the goal is to allow all participating entrepreneurs to reach a larger audience or market during the trade fairs.
Various local government units of the NIR are also joining the trade fair, showcasing their products and tourist destinations, along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental has provided a subsidy of P5 million to the ANP for the hosting of the trade fair. | GB
