“MSMEs are crucial to the growth and development of a country's economy. They are a major source of job creation, innovation, and economic growth,” she added.

Around 120 exhibitors of MSMEs from all over ZamPen showcased their local products and some have been joining since the year ZAMPEX started last 2014. This year's ZamPex which is the 10th year of the activity conducted on October 6 to 8, features Upgrade, Upskill and Upsize exceptional products and services to consumers and appreciation of opportunity for potential business networking of the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela as well as of the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe expresses his gratitude to DTI for continuously conducting this activity helps increase sales and reinforce the visibility of products of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in the region.

Through this, the MSMEs are given the platform to make contact with potential buyers and suppliers with the aim of strengthening their existing partners, distributors and suppliers.

ZAMPEX aims to facilitate the promotion of locally-made products of MSMEs in the region consequently increasing sales of the MSMEs create or reinforce visibility and raise the awareness and interest about the supply capacity establish linkages between producers and buyers and establish partnerships among distributors and suppliers through business matching and make quality products of the MSMEs in the region.

"MSMEs are the ones that provide income, employment, job and livelihood opportunities to our workers. As the demand for their products increases, their manpower requirements will also increase," said Dingal. (NBE/MLE/JQB-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)