ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 10 (PIA) - The advantage of small and medium enterprises to go into green business is huge in terms of expansion, market, and product enhancement.

This was emphasized by resource persons and certifying bodies during the recent Green Business Forum held at a local hotel in Zamboanga City.

"Going green is one step ahead of your competitors," Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Regional Director Rolando G. Acuna said during the forum, reiterating that the gathering will hope to sustain or even accelerate the green economic development in the region.

Acuna referred to a lot of metaphors when it comes to going green. Greenness, he said is next to cleanliness, which also points to the saying that cleanliness is next to Godliness in which the Halal Industry is rooted upon. Green is also referred to environment, i.e. products and businesses would always uphold sustainable development and friendly to environment. Green is also the green buck, earning dollars and going to international market.

Certification on halal, organic, marine stewardship, forest stewardship, green and culture-based accreditation were introduced and discussed with the participants.

Acuna further pointed out that the international market is really keen in looking at every product to patronize. Products that are "green" certified are most likely sell.

The Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the DTI has gathered certifying bodies and companies in Zamboanga to educate businesses on the importance of "green" certification. Companies like the Control Union Philippines, ECOCERT South-East Asia Pte. Ltd., Bureau Veritas (BV) Philippines, and PRIME Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific Inc were among those invited to share.

Senen T. Briones of DTI-EMB said that businesses cannot be local anymore because the world is getting smaller and more competitive with the advancement of technology.

He advised business owners that before acquiring certification they need to talk to their buyers, especially on what the buyers require. Then learn the procedures and steps for export and import. And more importantly to involve the family to sustain the business.

During the forum, business owners sought the help of DTI to facilitate the certification process for businesses especially on how government can subsidize or help reduce the cost of green certification for small and medium enterprises. (ALT/RVC/PIA9)