TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The participation of about 10 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Tarlac in the Ambiente International Consumer Goods Trade Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, from February 6 to 10 has opened wider global opportunities and increased income for the local entrepreneurs of the province. 

Facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 and the Provincial Government of Tarlac, the initiative forms part of the continuing global partnership efforts to help local MSMEs expand their reach in the international market. 

DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon emphasized that the annual participation in Ambiente has become instrumental in strengthening local MSMEs through global connections and international learning opportunities.

“This serves as a learning venue for DTI to further its programs and services to local Filipino MSMEs. Indeed, the yearly holding of this Ambiente Trade Fair and the participation, in particular of the Provincial Government, have led to more meaningful outcomes not only to MSMEs in the generation of more buyers and sales, but rather in the way we see provision of support to our MSMEs,” she added.

Since joining Ambiente in 2020, Tarlac-based enterprises have been given opportunities to showcase locally made non-food products to international buyers, with some reportedly building strong connections and eventually standing on their own in the global market.

This year’s participating MSMEs generated more than $450,000 in cash, booked, and under-negotiation sales during the trade fair, reflecting the expanding international market opportunity for Filipino-made products. 

Meanwhile, for local entrepreneurs, the international exposure provides not only income opportunities but also long-term business growth and sustainability.

Exhibitor Mary Grace Mariano shared that joining the trade fair strengthened her confidence as an entrepreneur and inspired her to continue improving their handcrafted rattan products.

“More than exposure, it gave me hope and motivation to continue growing despite challenges, and to build a better future for my family through my business,” she said.

By providing MSMEs with access to broader and stronger business linkages and increased income opportunities, the initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of making the Philippine economy globally competitive through efforts to scale up local businesses into the digital and global market. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)