DTI brings entrepreneurs in Caraga to global commerce
By Mariesh F. CeledeΓ±a
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga elevated the region’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the international market.
“We have bigger projects, programs, and more assistance to our MSMEs. This time, we are taking our MSMEs to neighboring countries to enable them to experience how their counterparts in neighboring countries are doing business and motivate them to become more competitive to the international market,” said Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga. “Last month, we took local entrepreneurs from Agusan del Norte, Butuan City and Agusan del Sur to China and Thailand.”
DTI Caraga remains committed to strengthening the capabilities of local enterprises through participation in both domestic and international trade fairs or exhibits.
From June 04-07, MSMEs from the different provinces in the region joined a jewelry processing benchmarking mission in Guangzhou, China. The activity was organized by the Guangzhou Panyu Jewelry Manufacturers Association, Guangzhou Market Chamber of Commerce, DTI Caraga and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou.
The mission aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of local jewelry makers by exposing them to high quality jewelry products made through advanced jewelry equipment and processing techniques.
The initiative is very timely specially that the region is rich in mineral resources waiting to be used and converted to high quality jewelry.
Meanwhile, local MSMEs also took part in the ProPak Asia 2025 on June 11-13 in Bangkok, Thailand. ProPak Asia is a premier exhibit on product processing and packaging, organized by Informa Markets, a global leader in fostering industry development.
The exhibit showcased the latest innovations in manufacturing, branding, packaging, and product development. It served as a venue for the participants to see these practices that will help improve their local packaging practices.
“Our participation in the global business engagements helped us realize that good packaging isn’t just about appearance, it extends shelf life, boosts marketability, and minimizes waste, especially for small businesses like ours,” said Rhea Jane Julao of Aquarianne Food Products Manufacturing, as she shared her experience at the ProPak Asia 2025.
Allowing local MSMEs to participate in global engagements broadens their innovative and creative minds and inspires them to elevate product quality and competitiveness. Gaining fresh insights and new perspectives, it empowers them to align with not only local standards, but to thrive and leverage international benchmarks. (MFC, PIA Butuan City with a report from DTI Caraga)
