The importance of abaca, coconut coir and other natural fibers in the creation of jobs and incomes for farmers, and implementation of strategic measures to help natural fibers compete against synthetics will be discussed by Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap as keynote speaker in the International Conference on Business Opportunities for Natural Fibers.

The Department of Agriculture is the organizer of the conference along with the ASEAN Handicraft Promotions and Development Association (Ahpada) on October 26 – 28, 2009, at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

The conference and the International Arts and Crafts Expo of Ahpada are supporting events of the country to celebrate the UN Declaration of the Year of Natural Fibers 2009. Current president of Ahpada is Dr. Mina T. Gabor, president of the Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation and former tourism secretary.

Cooperatives, chambers, retailers, merchandisers, exporters, manufacturers, fashion designers, academe, students may contact the secretariat Philsmed or the confab websie at ahpadaexpo@yahoo.com,

The crafts expo, co-organized by the DA, is a unique opportunity for buyers and sellers and consumers to create and sustain their market network for various natural fabrics, clothing, gifts, packaging and other crafts.

The business opportunities conference is broken down into five sessions: (1) micro, small and medium enterprise development: the grant institution perspective; (2) poverty alleviation through natural fiber production and trade; (3) creating a competitive business environment; (4) buyers/sellers perspective; and (5) market opportunities of natural fibers.

Session 1 speakers are Dr. Filemon Uriarte of the ASEAN Foundation and Francisco J. Colayco of Colayco Foundation for Education. Session chairman is Dr. Rujaya Abhakorn of Ahpada Thailand.