Dear eFOI user,
Thank you for your request dated Sept. 20, 2024, made under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.
You have requested the number of FOI Users from 2016 to the present.
I am pleased to inform you that your FOI request has been approved. Enclosed herewith, you will find a copy of the information you have requested. Please note that it may include [some, most, or all] of the data you require.
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FOI Officer
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
ANSWERS TO THREE INQUIRIES FROM Mr. Irwin Roy Carino, a BS Architecture student.
INQUIRY NO. 1:
- What is the effect of trade exhibits and trade shows in the country?
ANSWER TO INQUIRY NO. 1:
Trade exhibits and trade shows significantly impact a country's economy and various industries. Here are some critical effects:
- Economic Growth
Increased Business Activity: Trade shows attract local and international businesses, generating sales, contracts, and new business partnerships. This leads to direct economic gains for participating companies and suppliers.
Tourism Revenue: These events draw international visitors, increasing spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other services.
Job Creation: Hosting trade exhibits requires labor for event management, logistics, hospitality, and marketing, creating temporary and permanent jobs.
- Export Promotion (which is mandate of CITEM) Global Market Access: Trade shows offer local businesses a platform to showcase their products to international buyers, boosting exports. This can increase a country's global trade presence and help diversify export markets.
Brand Building: Companies can enhance their brand visibility and credibility by participating in international trade shows, which can lead to long-term export relationships.
- Industry Development
Innovation and Knowledge Sharing: Trade shows allow companies to showcase innovations and learn about emerging industry trends and technologies, fostering growth and competitiveness.
Networking Opportunities: Industry professionals and stakeholders can network, share best practices, and form collaborations that drive the development of sectors like manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and more.
- Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Market Access for SMEs: Trade shows provide a platform for SMEs to gain visibility and access to larger markets, which is often difficult to achieve through traditional marketing.
Capacity Building: Participation in trade shows can help SMEs improve their understanding of market demands, competition, and customer preferences.
- Foreign Investment
Attracting Investors: International trade exhibits can showcase a country's potential for foreign investment by highlighting opportunities in different sectors, which can lead to the establishment of new businesses, factories, and other infrastructure.
- Cultural and Diplomatic Relations
Cultural Exchange: International trade shows foster cultural exchange by bringing together participants from various countries. This can enhance diplomatic relations and promote cultural understanding.
Soft Power Influence: Countries regularly hosting significant trade events can improve their international reputation and influence in global trade networks.
- Infrastructure Development
Event Venues and Logistics: Countries often invest in better infrastructure, such as exhibition centers, transportation networks, and hotels, to accommodate trade shows. This long-term investment benefits other sectors, such as tourism and business.
Overall, trade exhibits and trade shows contribute to economic diversification, enhance competitiveness, and promote global integration, making them vital tools for economic development and international trade facilitation.
INQUIRY NO. 2:
Where is the ideal location to build the next convention center in CALABARZON?
ANSWER INQUIRY NO. 2:
Building a convention center in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) requires careful consideration of accessibility, economic activity, available infrastructure, and future growth potential. Below are some ideal locations within the region, along with reasons why they could be suitable for a convention center:
- Santa Rosa, Laguna
Accessibility: Located along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Santa Rosa is easily accessible from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. It is also close to transport hubs like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Economic Hub: Santa Rosa is known as the "Lion City of the South" and is a thriving industrial and commercial area, home to major corporations, industrial parks, and residential developments.
Tourism and Leisure: Nearby tourist spots like Enchanted Kingdom and Nuvali make it a strategic location for events that combine business and leisure.
Infrastructure: Santa Rosa has rapidly growing infrastructure, making it a prime spot for further development.
- Tagaytay City, Cavite
Scenic Location: Tagaytay's cooler climate and scenic views make it an attractive location for conventions, especially for events that blend business with relaxation.
Accessibility: Proximity to Metro Manila via major highways (SLEX, Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway) makes it easy for participants from the capital region to attend.
Tourism and Events: Tagaytay is already a popular venue for conferences, weddings, and retreats, meaning a convention center here could tap into an existing market for events.
Potential for Growth: As Tagaytay continues to grow in popularity, a large convention center would cater to increasing demand for more formal venues.
- Lipa City, Batangas
Strategic Location: Located at the crossroads of major highways like the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway), Lipa City is a gateway to both Metro Manila and the southern provinces of Batangas and Quezon.
Growing Economic Hub: Lipa is rapidly industrializing, with several business parks, educational institutions, and commercial centers in the area. Its growing population makes it an ideal location for regional conventions.
Tourist Destinations: Proximity to historical and natural attractions like Taal Lake and Mt. Malarayat can attract delegates interested in both work and leisure.
- Calamba City, Laguna
Accessibility: Like Santa Rosa, Calamba is along SLEX and offers easy access to Metro Manila, Laguna, and Batangas. It is also close to the Laguna Technopark and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) zones.
Economic Activity: Calamba is a booming industrial and commercial city known as Laguna's economic growth center. It has a high concentration of businesses and corporate offices, making it a potential host for business conferences and trade shows.
Proximity to Key Landmarks: The city is near tourist attractions like hot spring resorts in Pansol and historical sites like Rizal Shrine, making it appealing for events that include leisure activities.
- Antipolo City, Rizal
Proximity to Metro Manila: Located just outside the capital, Antipolo is highly accessible from Metro Manila via Marcos Highway, making it convenient for participants traveling from the metro and nearby provinces.
Tourism and Scenic Views: Known for its panoramic views of the Manila skyline and its popular religious and cultural landmarks, Antipolo offers a unique setting for conventions.
Rapid Urbanization: Antipolo is experiencing significant urban growth, with expanding commercial, residential, and infrastructure developments, which could support the needs of a convention center.
Key Considerations for Location Choice:
Transportation and Accessibility: Ideally, the location should be close to major highways, airports, and transport hubs to facilitate easy access for both local and international participants.
Existing Infrastructure: It is important to choose a site where the existing infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, public transportation) can support large-scale events.
Economic and Industrial Activity: Building in a rapidly growing economic hub can ensure a steady demand for conventions, trade shows, and business events.
Tourism and Leisure: Combining business and leisure (business tourism) is a strong factor in attracting participants, so proximity to tourist attractions is a plus.
Among these options, Santa Rosa, Laguna and Tagaytay City, Cavite stand out as highly strategic locations due to their accessibility, strong economic activity, and appeal as leisure destinations. Both are well-suited for hosting both domestic and international conventions in CALABARZON.
INQUIRY NO. 3:
Do trade exhibits and trade shows improve the tourism and economy of a city?
ANSWER INQUIRY NO. 3:
Yes, exhibits and trade shows significantly improve a city's tourism and economy. Here's how they contribute to each:
- Boost to Tourism
Increased Visitor Influx: Trade shows and exhibitions attract a large number of visitors, including exhibitors, buyers, business leaders, and professionals from other cities and countries. This influx of visitors leads to increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and tourist services.
Business and Leisure Tourism (Bleisure): Many trade show participants extend their stays for leisure purposes, visiting local attractions, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. This boosts tourism-related sectors like hospitality, food, and retail.
Event-related Tourism Packages: Cities often create special tourism packages for visitors attending trade shows, offering discounted rates at hotels, guided tours, and entry to attractions, enhancing the tourism experience.
Showcasing Local Culture: Trade shows provide a platform to showcase the city's culture, products, and services. For example, exhibits that feature local crafts, food, and cultural performances encourage visitors to explore more about the city.
- Economic Impact
Direct Economic Gains: Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and entertainment venues, benefit from the spending of attendees. This can significantly boost local revenue during the event.
Stimulating Local Businesses: Exhibits and trade shows often feature local companies and products, providing exposure and networking opportunities that can lead to future sales, business partnerships, and investment. SMEs, in particular, benefit from showcasing their products to a wider audience.
Job Creation: Trade shows require a wide range of services—event planning, marketing, logistics, security, and hospitality—leading to both temporary and permanent job opportunities in the city.
Encouraging Investment: Successful trade shows may attract future investments from businesses looking to set up operations in the city. Exhibits showcasing innovation and industry growth can pique investor interest, leading to business expansions or new ventures.
International Trade and Exports: Trade shows with international participants can boost exports by helping local businesses forge connections with global buyers and distributors. This has a longer-term positive effect on the city's economy as export revenues increase.
- Infrastructure Development
Venue Expansion: Hosting large trade shows often necessitates building or upgrading convention centers, exhibition halls, hotels, and transportation infrastructure. These developments have lasting benefits for the local economy and attract future events.
Long-term Benefits for Other Industries: The improvements made for trade shows can also serve other industries and sectors. For example, a new convention center might be used for concerts, festivals, corporate events, and community activities throughout the year.
- City Branding and Competitiveness
Enhancing City Reputation: Successfully hosting large-scale trade shows raises the city's profile as a business and tourism destination, attracting future events, conferences, and exhibitions. This improves the city's competitiveness as a location for business tourism.
Showcasing City Strengths: A city that regularly hosts successful trade shows gains a reputation for its strengths in certain industries (e.g., technology, manufacturing, agriculture), reinforcing its brand and appeal to businesses and investors in those sectors.
- Cultural and Knowledge Exchange
Promoting Cultural Exchange: International trade shows bring together participants from different countries, fostering cultural exchange, collaborations, and partnerships. This leads to an enriched cultural landscape and global visibility for the city.
Knowledge Transfer and Innovation: Trade shows are a hub for new ideas, technologies, and products. Cities that host these events become places where innovation is showcased and shared, helping local industries stay competitive and fostering economic growth.
In conclusion, trade shows and exhibits provide an excellent boost to both tourism and the economy of a city. They not only bring immediate financial benefits through visitor spending but also contribute to long-term growth by enhancing infrastructure, creating jobs, attracting investments, and elevating the city's reputation as a business and tourism hub.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We trust that the information provided will effectively address your questions. However, if you require further clarification or have additional inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out. We would be more than happy to assist you and ensure all your concerns are thoroughly addressed.
