The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing PHP3 million in sales in the five-day trade fair of Leyte-based small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) showcasing local products.

From the PHP2.67 million target sales, DTI Eastern Visayas Regional Director Celerina Bato challenged the 44 exhibitors to aim higher.

The marketing event from June 20 to 24 dubbed “Layag” Leyte Fiesta Bonanza Trade Expo 2024 showcases the best of Leyte provinces to buyers in this city who have been looking for various products ahead of the fiesta celebration on June 30.

“We are here to seize this opportunity, to forge long-term partnerships with buyers and other partners. As we increase our visibility and availability by bringing our products closer to our buyers, I would like to call it a challenge to every exhibitor here. Don’t just sell, create a relationship, to ensure repeat orders,” Bato said during the opening on Thursday.

This is the third “Layag” Leyte trade fair since the launch of the marketing brand in June 2023.

“Layag” is a local term meaning to sail, embodies the objective of DTI Leyte to “usher its assisted enterprises to new and bigger markets”, according to DTI Leyte Provincial Director Araceli Larraga.

“It is expected also that most of the MSMEs will showcase their newly improved products and we also have three first-time exhibitors. The trade expo aims to really expand access to buyers for Leyte exhibitors in the domestic and national market, and even international since we have balikbayans here,” Larraga added.

The DTI-assisted MSMEs in Leyte showcase their products for five days ahead of the city’s fiesta ranging from processed food and delicacies to beautifully handcrafted products such as furniture, processed food, local wines, vinegar, dried fish, and vegetable salad, among others. (PNA)