The week-long ongoing Aklan product expo in this city is expected to generate some PHP8.5 million as this year’s exhibit features the province’s improved products.

“Every year whenever I am around, they always have new products. Aklanons are receptive to designs,” said Trade and Industry Regional Director for Western Visayas Rebecca Rascon in her message.

The expo, which is now in its 17th year, anchors on the theme “Go Green!” to underscore the continuous advocacy of the DTI for entrepreneurs to adhere to green practices.

It was designed to showcase and demonstrate the products of the various industry sectors in Aklan, introduce to target buyers more new products and designs, and establish new market linkages.

The 60-participating micro, small and medium entrepreneurs displayed their products that highlight naturally-dyed wearables, trendy fashion accessories, unique homewares, and souvenir items, as well as meat and bakery products.

Rascon said one of the exhibitors, Bread and Butter, will be the lone participant from Western Visayas to the Anuga Fair in Germany this month.

“We hope that our participation to the Anuga Fair will augur inquiries and eventually sales for the produces,” said Rascon.

She added this year’s exhibit “looks smaller but it becomes compact” and hopes that a bigger venue will be provided next time to ensure higher sales.

The annual activity is jointly organized by the DTI Aklan; Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc; and the provincial government of Aklan in cooperation with the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.

This year’s target sales are a bit higher than the PHP8.125 million sales performance last year.

“We in DTI continue to look forward to programs that would benefit not only the big ones but also we are looking at inclusive growth as part of our DTI program,” Rascon said.

The exhibit kicked off Monday at the event center of SM City Iloilo and will end on October 13 (PNA)