THE export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging local firms to participate more in physical and virtual trade fairs that can be springboards to expand their businesses, especially in the overseas markets.

Rowena Mendoza, officer in charge-department manager at the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), said companies are able to meet target clients and future partners, improve skills and gain know-how, expand business networks, and generate or increase sales by attending trade fairs.