The Trade Department’s commercial office in Jakarta, Indonesia asked more Philippine fashion brands to venture into the Indonesian market, following the lead of shoe brand Rusty Lopez.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Jakarta said it was supporting Philippine companies such as fashion retail brands through trade shows and business development activities to gain a foothold overseas.
“The AEC [Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community] is an exciting opportunity for Philippine companies to introduce established brands in Asean and beyond. We are optimistic that our local fashion brands can compete in the region because we are strong in design and we aim for the best quality,” said Philippine commercial representative to Indonesia Alma Argayoso.
Rusty Lopez, known as a high-quality footwear brand, brought its classic and contemporary designs to the Indonesian market with a wide range of products from the basic black shoes, pumps, step-ins to more classy and sophisticated styles.
“We have carefully selected the best styles suited to the Indonesian market because we understand that fashionistas in Indonesia want more shoe styles that are fun, colorful, chic and fashionable. We see great potential in Indonesia and we plan to open more outlets this year,” said PT Cruzzini Sejahtera president and director Sanny Cruz, who also serves as Rusty Lopez managing partner in Indonesia.
Maritalia Manufacturing Inc., the company behind men’s footwear under the Rusty Lopez brand, also manufactures high-fashion ladies’ footwear under the brand Centropelle, streetwear under the brand Russ, school shoes under the brand Walk-over and ladies shoes under the brand Azaleia.
Other Philippine fashion brands that made it to the Indonesian market are Gingersnaps, Periwinkle, Penshoppe and Karimadon.
Meanwhile, at least 14 furniture and furnishing companies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are set to visit the Philippines for potential product sourcing in time for the Trade Department’s Manila Fame exhibition.
The business delegation composed of fit-out contractors for hotels, resorts, restaurants and cafes will have the chance to attend the exhibit and engage in business matching sessions with pre-selected companies.
Manila Fame is set to take place on April 21 to 24 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
“These business delegations are a sign of rising interest in the Philippines from companies in the Middle East, which also makes it an opportune time for Filipino exporters to consider that region’s market, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,” said Eric Elnar, commercial attaché in Dubai.
