COTABATO CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro government’s month-long Ramadan Trade Fair 2024, led by the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT), has raked in over P19 million in sales.
The total revenue of this year’s fair, which covered the period from March 8 to April 8, exceeded last year’s figures of P16.9 million.
MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik emphasized that the Ramadan Trade Fair, held at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC), has paved the way for the autonomous government to assist local producers and entrepreneurs by providing a venue for them to showcase, promote, and sell their respective “halal (lawful)” food products and services.
“The Ramadan Trade Fair enabled people from outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to better perceive and understand a group of diverse cultures working together towards economic recovery and seeking cultural solidarity,” Taddik stressed.
According to him, around 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) participated in the event, featuring local food products such as native delicacies and processed foods.
Atty. Sukarno Abas, deputy minister of MTIT, also pointed out that this year’s Ramadan Trade Fair has an average daily sales of 700,000.
“This year’s sales increase compared to last year shows our improved product showcasing processes and mechanisms,” he said.
Both employees inside the BGC and visitors enjoyed the wide array of Bangsamoro products displayed at the fair, including delicious food and unique gift items.
“More than the sales we generated is the happiness of the people who came to the trade fair every night,” added Abas.
Capping off the annual event was an award ceremony, recognizing the Most Promising MSME/Entrepreneur, Best Dressed Booth, and Sustainability Champion.
Sammy Maulana Turuganan, owner of Kingdom Fries and one of the awardees of the sustainability award, shared how the Ramadan Trade Fair helped boost his business.
“Isa po sa mga nakatulong sa akin ay ang Ramadan Trade Fair ng MTIT kasi dito po talaga ako nagsimula at dito nakilala ‘yung Kingdom Fries hanggang sa nagkaroon ako ng physical store,” Turuganan said.
[One of the things that helped me was MTITI’s Ramadan Trade Fair because this is where I really started, and this is where Kingdom Fries became known until I had a physical store.]
MTIT then attributed the success of the trade event to the Bangsamoro people themselves, citing the power of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship in driving business growth, unity, and progress in BARMM. (LTB – PIA Cotabato City)
