There's nothing like the real participation of companies to trade fairs. Although actual costs are erratic and could be unnerving at times, to be involved visually and physically at fairs or exhibits continue to account for a major part of buyer linkage and promotions. It is also an arena that keeps the participants informed of market trends, product design and network building. It is a good thing that with some of the CFIF members' participation to trade fairs, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has been around to support some of them.

        At the onset of the new millennium, in January 2000, the same seven (7) companies will be participating the same fair together with five (5) others: Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corporation, Design Ventures Cebu, Janice Minor Export International, Pacific Traders Manufacturing Corporation and Regent Rattan Inc.

          Last September 1999, the Feria Valencia in Spain was participated by Interior Crafts of the Islands and the Cebu Fil-Veneer Corporation supported by CITEM. And in November 1999, with JETRO's facilitation, three (3) furniture companies joined the International Furniture Fair Tokyo in Japan: Casa Caña, Cobe International and Design Ventures

       International fairs continue to hog the limelight for buyers internationally, keeping global competition at its peak and making challenges more deserving to those who have the core ability to keep international standards.