Trade Assistant Secretary Fe Agoncillo-Reyes, executive director of the Center for International Trade, Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM), said the Philippine participation is part of the government’s efforts to promote its design and related creative industries.

Eleven holiday décor companies are joining ChristmasWorld: Balasi Export, Buena Mano Crafts, Inc., Craftsite Export Company, L&A Designs, Liman Designs, Magellan Manufacturers Marketing Corporation, Philippine Concorde Trading Corporation, Philippine Treasures, Inc., Sally’s Crafts, Sanport Craft International, and Sarilinlikha Novelties. These companies are regular participants of CITEM-organized Manila F.A.M.E. International, Asia’s second longest trade show for home furnishings, holiday décor, and fashion accessories.

International buyers can source holiday décor made from the Philippines (in Hall 9.3 D20/E20) which include tabletop trees, wreaths, angels, and velvet boxes among others.

Indigenous and natural materials such as abaca, coconut, bamboo, sinamay, and capiz shells are given a new twist by fashioning them into simple yet gorgeous products like candleholders, vases, and planters. Other materials such as wood shavings, broken glass, and recycled paper were also used.

ChristmasWorld to be held on January 25-29 at Frankfurt, Germany would be attended by more than 37 countries and attracts more than 30,000 trade buyers.

Last year, the Philippines generated US.8 million in sales from its participation in the show and contributed 4 percent to the total exports for Christmas and holiday décor for the January to October 2005 period.

About 200 firms make up the holiday décor industry, employing over 250,000 workers. Major products include colorful tassels, handmade paper items, tabletops, festoons, and other decorative items in resin, wood, and other natural materials.

Meanwhile, six jewelry companies will represent the Philippines in Vicenza Oro 1, an International exhibition of gold jewelry, silverware, and watches to be held at Fiera De Vicenza, Italy starting this Sunday, January 15 to 22.

These companies are A. Suarez Sterling Corporation, 7 Castles, Inc., Jewelmer International Corporation, Mercelles, Sterling Gifts, Inc., and Sanara. They are also members of the Guild of Philippine Jewellers.

The Guild will showcase fine jewelry, handcrafted gold, fine silver, south sea pearls, diamonds, and colored stones.

Vicenza Oro is one of the world’s important fair of fine jewelry, platinum jewelry, industrial and handcrafted silverware, silver costume jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, cameos, wrist and pocket watches, machinery and equipment for jewelry manufacture, gemological instruments, table and furnishing silverware. A total of 1,500 firms join this annual event.

Last year, Philippines generated US8,305 worth of sales, and received 131 trade inquiries. Jewelmer was able to close a licensing agreement with one of its buyers, while Sterling Gifts, Inc. met prospective suppliers.

CITEM has identified Vicenza Oro as a venue in promoting the Philippines as a source for high-end design and quality products. The Philippine jewelry industry’s strength is quality, design, and material mix.

"This year, we hope to see continuous growth in our sales," said Ma. Luisa Unson, president of the Guild of Philippine Jewellers.(BCM)