Design Caribbean seen as outlet for success

The New Caribbean Design booth as part of the ITC and Caribbean Export joint project showcasing some high-quality work. (GP)

Sat, September 17, 2011 - 12:00 AM

Design Caribbean trade show – the newly rebranded Caribbean Gift And Craft Fair staged by Caribbean Export recently in Santo Domingo – provided regional artisans and producers with an opportunity to see their efforts bear fruit.

That is according to a release that noted that producers were able to engage international buyers, gather feedback on their designs and take orders for future business.

The trade show provided an important backdrop for the pieces developed in the product design workshops.

Commenting on the success of the event for participating artisans, product design consultant Giulio Vinaccia, who worked with the artisans, said: “Just imagine that only in the first four hours of opening we sold more than 50 per cent of the product!”

He said this was a clear demonstration to the artisans involved that with the right approach, layout and new thinking in design, success was very possible.

The September 1 to September 4 trade show attracted participants from across the region and served as a forum for regional artisans and producers to also network and share ideas.

The show, which was funded by the International Trade Centre and the European Union, attracted more than 100 exhibitors. (PR)