Nov. 7--Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said it has included Philippine performing arts, music, architecture and an "eco-show" in Manila F.A.M.E. International to be held in April next year.

"Some buyers buy from bigger exhibitions," she said, adding that most buyers are also cutting on costs so they opt to attend trade fairs where there are more exhibitors and products.

During last month's 50th Manila F.A.M.E., local contemporary art, health and wellness, footwear, garments and textiles sectors were showcased for the first time alongside the traditional exhibits on furniture and furnishings.

Dumpit-Murillo said the potentials of these up-and-coming export sectors needed to be pushed as orders and sales from international trade fairs staged in the country this year dropped 30 percent year-on-year. Last year, these contracted by about 50 percent compared with 2007. "It seems like buyers are still not coming," Dumpit-Murillo said.

She said the agency has observed that many of the regular buyers--mostly come from the US, Japan and Australia--have yet to resume orders.

But Dumpit-Murillo said more buyers from new markets, such as those from the Middle East and Europe have attended this year's Philippine expos. Exporters are also enjoined to tap emerging markets such as Brazil, China, India and Russia.

CITEM, the Department of Trade and Industry's export-promotion agency, annually mounts E-Services Philippines, International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, and the biannual editions of Manila F.A.M.E. International.

Ben Arnold O. de Vera

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