The biannual tradeshow is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This is one of CITEM’s flagship programs to promote the Philippines as Asia’s design capital, and the country’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A total of 535 SMEs are participating in the event.

For the last 10 years, the show has generated average sales of $217.5 million annually. In 2004, it accounted for 18.21 percent of the Philippines’ total exports in the furniture, furnishings, gifts, holiday decor, and fashion accessories sectors.

Favila said these figures "underscore not just the show’s contribution to the Philippine economy but also the assistance it gives to countless SMEs, providing them with avenues for growth in the local and global arena.’’

He said the fair also encourages the development of allied industries, resulting in increased revenues, and more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

About R60.3 million in tourism receipts is pumped into the local economy by foreign buyers from hotel, food and entertainment, and retail firms. The Manila FAME participants employ about 94,000 direct and indirect workers.

More than 3,000 foreign and local buyers are expected to visit the four-day show, including a buying mission from Osaka and Tokyo.

In a survey conducted by the organizer, buyers cited the fusion of modern and indigenous design sensibilities, the unmatched craftsmanship, and the profound respect for natural materials as the defining qualities of Philippine design. Such display of Philippine design is the main reason why they come to the country to see this world-class event.

Launched in 1983, the Manila FAME International is the longest-running trade show of its kind in Asia-Pacific, and has attracted thousands of buyers from all over the world. It is the only international fair in the Philippines recognized by the Union Des Foires International (UFI), the union of the world’s leading tradeshow organizers, fairground owners, and major national and international associations of the exhibition industry.

The Manila FAME International has introduced new attractions, including the health, wellness, and beauty section, which features aromatherapy and massage oils and virgin coconut oil, as well as hair and skin care products.

Another feature is creative industry, an emerging and dynamic sector of the Philippine economy that has the potential for wealth and job creation, through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property.

A special exhibition of the works of world-class Filipino talents from the Young Designers Guild, the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines, the National Council of Industrial Designers of the Philippines, and artists from Angono, Rizal, will be shown

The Manila FAME International will run until Oct. 21. It is being held in four other venues – the Philippine Trade Training Center, East Pavilion, the Reception Hall, and the Forum of the Philippine International Convention Center.

It is strictly an ordertaking show, and is open to the public only on the last day, Oct.21.