MANILA, Nov 12 (PNA) — Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on Thursday graced the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Expo Philippines 2015 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, which is part of the country’s hosting of this year’s APEC summit.
In his welcome remarks, Secretary Coloma also noted that the International Media Center at the World Trade Center, where the expo is located, will be the home of journalists covering next week’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
“It will be the place from which the media professionals and journalists will be doing their important work of conveying the important events and information emanating from the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting,” he said.
Filipinos are extending the best of the warmth of their hospitality to all the friends and visitors arriving in the country for the APEC summit, he said.
He thanked government partners from Cebu and Mandaue City for their assistance and support in organizing the APEC Expo Philippines 2015, which features the products of the best Filipino craftsmen.
Coloma said he hopes the expo opens up opportunities for excellently crafted, high-quality, Philippine-made products in the world market.
“It is said that the way to make an event most memorable is to give the people who experience it a tangible memento of that event,” he said.
“And so therefore, the souvenirs that are being exhibited—the souvenir items, the handicrafts, the excellent work of Filipino artisans that are here will serve as a memento of the unique experience that is APEC 2015 in the Philippines.”
The expo highlights the country’s push for the inclusion of small and medium businesses in the global value chain that is seen to spur regional trade.
The products featured in the expo are works of small and medium enterprises that are aiming for world-class products and global competition, he said.
In the process, he added, the country is laying the foundations for sustainable growth, upon which the Philippines’ APEC hosting is anchored through the theme, “Building Inclusive Economies and Building a Better World”.
The APEC Expo Philippines 2015 was organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Balikbayan Handicrafts Corp., and 30 other participating Philippine micro, and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The expo features furniture, home decors and accessories, food products, fashion accessories, designer gowns and many others. (PNA)