Organizers of the Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair in Metro Manila, underscored the far-reaching impact of the platform to producers in the Negros Island Region (NIR) after hitting record sales and bookings in the just-concluded 39th edition.

Held on Sept. 23 to 28 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, the event drew 41,000 visitors and generated PHP54.5 million in spot sales, as well as PHP97 million in booked business-to-business transactions.

NTF chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares said in an online interview on Thursday this year’s trade fair had many firsts, such as a new venue.

“After many years of being in Makati, we had it for the first time in Taguig. We also had a new set of distributors because of the newly-formed NIR. We invited our counterparts, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Negros Oriental side and from Siquijor,” she added.

With the theme “Himbon,” a Hiligaynon term which means “to gather,” the event gathered 139 exhibitors, including 23 local government units (LGUs), which offered “the best of Negros in food, fashion, crafts, and more” during the six-day event.

In a press statement, lead organizer Association of Negros Producers (ANP) said the NTF, as Negros Island’s premier marketing platform, “delivered far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impact for the NIR.”

The Negros Occidental provincial government provided PHP5 million in financial support this year.

“On the economic front, exhibitors gained breakthrough opportunities such as a local food processor securing a first export order. Others forged supply deals with national distributors and soft goods manufacturers began product collaborations with Filipino lifestyle giant Kultura,” it said.

“These achievements reflect how the fair strengthens supply chains and opens new markets for micro, small and medium enterprises.”

According to the ANP, some 375 microenterprises, assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the LGUs had the opportunity to market test their products in Metro Manila.

Other exhibitors were 113 SMEs, who are ANP members, and Negrense-owned companies whose advocacies align with ANP’s vision.

DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal said in an interview that 76 micro-entreprenuers being supported by the Negosyo Centers in the various cities and municipalities of the province joined this year’s Negros Trade Fair.

She said the DTI’s Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program also set up a booth for the processed coconut products made by assisted entrepreneurs in Negros Occidental.

Among the LGUs, Cadiz City reported on Thursday generating more than PHP600,000 in revenues after they sold out the city’s famous dried fish products. (PNA)