Photo from Michael Camsa/BIO
COTABATO CITY—To promote the spirit of unity and bringing people together during the sacred month of Ramadhan, the Bangsamoro Government, led by the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTIT), officially opened the month-long Ramadhan Trade Fair Tuesday afternoon, March 21, inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in this city.
Anchoring on this year’s theme “Ramadhan brings people together towards love, peace, and unity”, the program focuses on sustaining the strong faith and the prosperous life of the Bangsamoro people.
In collaboration with various BARMM ministries and trade-fair enthusiasts, the month-long expo serves as an avenue to continue finding opportunities for business sustainability and growth with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik underscored some of the significant impacts of opening this trade fair.
“This Ramadhan fair will be our chance to help our local producers and entrepreneurs by providing them a venue for showcasing, promoting, and selling their respective halal food products and services,” Taddik said.
“It is seen that the majority of businesses see an increase in profits during Ramadan. Also, it enables people outside the region to perceive and understand a group of diverse cultures working together towards economic recovery and solidarity,” Taddik added.
The Minister also noted that aside from fasting, Ramadhan is also the time to pray, support charities, remember those less fortunate, and spend time with families and friends.
Participated by local entrepreneurs, the annual event features a total of 50 exhibitors, showcasing both traditional halal food and non-food items in the Bangsamoro region.
Meanwhile, Asnaira Lidasan, one of the owners of Frontage Coffee Shop, who took part in the said trade fair, said: “As one of the Micro enterprises, it is important for us to participate in this kind of event. It will give opportunities for the entrepreneurs and business experts to showcase the region’s unique local products.”
She further thanked the Government of the Day for this initiative, not only to celebrate the essence of Ramadhan but also to gather Bangsamoro people through trade-fair.
“Malaking tulong ito para saamin, dahil maraming pamilya ang dumadayo rito na kung saan pwede makilala ang aming mga produkto since kaka-one-month lang namin sa larangan ng businesses,” Lidasan added.
Moreover, part of the fair is the “MAFARamadhan” spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), which serves as a venue for the local producers to showcase their agricultural products. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
