The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has committed to helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) widen their opportunities to further improve their products and market access.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual made this assurance in his message read by DTI Undersecretary for Management Services Group Ana Carolina P. Sanchez during the opening ceremony of the 25th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday.

“Let me just reassure our Likha exhibitors that we are with you in your business development journey,” Pascual said.

He noted that a key pillar in MSME development is improving market access through activities, such as the Likha trade fair.

“Along with market access, DTI will continue to help you improve your products, facilitate access to financial packages, provide training and other services that will upskill, upgrade, and upsize your businesses,” Pascual said.

“By participating in the trade fairs organized by DTI, you are helping mainstream local products in the market, showcasing and sharing with our Metro Manila buyers quality products, and opening opportunities for business matching with institutional buyers.”

He also urged Filipinos to buy local products to contribute not only to job generation and development of local communities but also support “the dreams of all those involved in the business – entrepreneurs, employees, and suppliers.”

The Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is a collaborative effort between DTI 3 (Central Luzon) and Philexport-3, with the full support of the Regional Development Council and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc.

As one of the country’s longest-running trade fairs, Likha serves as a platform to showcase the finest local products of the MSMEs in the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

This year’s trade fair features 165 exhibitors, offering 80 food products and 85 non-food items for Metro Manila buyers. (PNA)