THE small and medium entrepreneurs from all over the region and from other regions are very thankful for the conduct of the first Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition 2014 (ZAMPEX) in this city.
“We are thankful to the organizers for holding ZAMPEX for us Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs). This is a very good opportunity for us to promote and market our products and grow as a business,” Frankie Perez of Baker’s Field said.
The Baker’s Field, which is based in this city, sells special “biscocho.”
The ZAMPEX, initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was held from October 8 to 11 in this city.
Perez disclosed that ZAMPEX is the trade fair that they joined and has immediately reaped dividends for them.
“This is our first trade fair. But the turnout of sales is really encouraging considering that we are just new in the business. Thanks to DTI for inviting us in the ZAMPEX 2014,” Perez said.
Perez and his wife Ester, a former banker, established their business right after the latter retired from her job.
The couple, to further improve their business, has sought the help of the DTI for assistance.
“We would like to thank DTI-9 Regional Director Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, Provincial Director Rolando Acuña for this opportunity given us. Special mention also to DTI’s Ms. Rose Garcia, and Mr. Roel Catimbang for designing our packaging label,” Perez said.
Another SME, this time, from Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte has nothing but praise and thanks for the conduct of the ZAMPEX 2014.
Gapnod Creatives Designer Lordan Reganion said ZAMPEX has given him a greater appreciation of his self-worth and of his products.
Gapnod Creatives focuses on intricate and unique house decors made from drift wood.
“I have joined a lot of exhibits in our province; have been included in the local Hall of Fame for winning many times. But I have never been more proud and felt more appreciated until now. People here were awed of my products. Sales have so far been good. It’s more than what I expected,” Reganion said.
Aside from them, all of the 87 exhibitors reported positive feedbacks and expressed enthusiasm for the next edition of ZAMPEX in 2015.
Jain, elated with ZAMPEX 2014’s outcome, immediately ordered to prioritize and start planning for the next trade expo and prepare the SMEs for the bigger market.
“By 2017, we hope to bring ZAMPEX outside region 9 or even Mindanao. Perhaps we can bring this to Manila, but we need at least 100 exhibitors to realize this. However, before going outside of the region, we have to make sure that our SMEs are ready to meet the clients’ demands so that all our efforts will not be wasted. Until then, we need to prepare you not just for the national market, but more important, the ASEAN market,” Jain stressed.
The holding of the ZAMPEX 2014 forms part of DTI’s activity for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2014.
The feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar on Sunday, October 12, was the highlight of the Festival. (Bong Garcia)
