29 January 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad joined representatives of CITEM and DTI in opening the Philippine Pavilion in this year’s Ambiente 2024 held at Frankfurt Messe.  The fair runs until 30 January 2024.

AMBIENTE is the largest consumer goods trade fair outside of Asia,  attracting over 3,681 exhibitors from 168 participating countries. The Philippine Pavilion with the theme “Hues and Heritage” was curated by renowned designer Mr. Antonio Gonzales.

Forty (40) Philippine company exhibitors joined this year’s fair showcasing home decor, furniture, accessories, and other items produced from Philippine materials such as capiz, shells, abaca, wood, paper and other local materials.   Artisan communities from the provinces of Antique and Quirino, with support from Senator Loren Legarda and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua , respectively,  exhibited unique and functional pieces crafted from the provinces’ abundant natural materials.  

Inspired by previous year’s turnout, the province of Tarlac was also present and exhibited independently with returning exhibitors.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Natividad thanked all those who organized the Philippine participation to the fair and encouraged an expanded participation in future editions of the AMBIENTE to showcase Philippine design, craftsmanship and ingenuity.    She also expressed the hope that other local government units would support the participation of their SMEs and artisanal industries so they too can gain a footing in the international market and provide greater economic opportunities for their communities.