The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it connected 16 Cebu-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, a leading home improvement retailer, during a business-to-business (B2B) market matching session on Feb. 14, 2025.
The initiative underscores the DTI’s commitment to boosting local businesses by connecting them with international buyers and expanding their market reach.
The session was a collaborative effort between the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL), DTI Cebu, MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, and Cebu GTH Foundation Inc. Its primary goal is to provide local MSMEs with market exposure and business-matching opportunities with international buyers.
The Cebu-based MSMEs seeking supplier partnerships with MR. D.I.Y. presented products across various categories, including household and furnishings, stationery and sports, toys and gifts, fashion accessories, and cosmetics.
This provided participating MSMEs with a valuable platform to showcase their products, craftsmanship, and market potential to MR. D.I.Y representatives. Each MSME had the opportunity to directly engage with the company representatives, discuss business requirements, and explore potential collaborations.
MR. D.I.Y. was represented by Faith Thong, senior purchasing manager of MR. D.I.Y. Malaysia, along with Katherine Dumindin and Rosemarie Jaspe of MR. D.I.Y. Philippines.
The team meticulously evaluated each product based on quality, pricing, sustainability, and overall marketability. Product samples were reviewed to allow firsthand assessment of unique features.
Participating MSMEs submitted detailed proposals outlining their manufacturing capabilities, product innovations, and potential adjustments to meet MR. D.I.Y.’s market needs.
