MANILA, Philippines — The Christmas Decor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines (CDPEAP) is optimistic of the outlook of the country's holiday decor industry in 2012 as the export demand starts to recover.

CDPEAP president Romeo Balderrama noted that the holiday décor was the highest selling sector during a recent trade exhibit. Most of the booked orders and sales under negotiation are for delivery next year.

Balderrama is also confident that industry players will get more foreign buyers next year on the back of the expected recovery of the global economy.

"Our target is the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries. But we will continue selling in the United States because in the last Manila FAME show, it remained the biggest buyer of Philippine exports even as it is experiencing financial difficulties," he said.

For 2011, holiday decor companies see positive growth after registering their lowest sales last year. However, Balderrama stressed that the projected revenues are not that high compared to previous years' performance.