DTI reopens exports showroom in Pasay

The Department of Trade and Industry has reopened the HallONE, a permanent exports showroom in Pasay City that can hold exhibitions, industry meetings and trade events. “I realized that Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, have very big exhibition halls. I said that one day the Philippines should also revive the concept of an exhibition hall for its world class products,” Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said at the opening ceremony of HallONE. HallONE was one of six product halls built 25 years ago to showcase exports, but in recent years had fallen into neglect and disrepair. Redesigned by designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda, the revived hall will be an actively engaged business center offering year-round services such as business matching and appointment scheduling; export order-taking and shipping assistance; controlled and retail selling design clinics; and seminars and workshops. The hall will be leased for two months to different exporter associations of various sectors including garments, housewares, furniture, and electronics. “I also commit that I will use the Foreign Trade Service Corps and the Philippine Embassies abroad to advertise what are exhibited in these halls during those two months,” said Panlilio. For its first two months of operation, HallONE will showcase furniture and home décor as well as a fashion exhibit featuring outstanding local designers. — BM, GMA News