Shanghai World Expo to boost RP products - DTI

MANILA, Philippines - The World Expo in Shanghai will help boost the Philippines’ exports not only in China but also in other countries all over the world, the Department of Trade and Industry said yesterday.

The World Expo is scheduled from May to October this year and is expected to received 70 million visitors. The Philippines is all set to join with over 100 countries and 50 international organizations. The government sees the World Expo as a vital step in showing what the country can offer in the world’s stage.

The DTI through its export promotion agency, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions formed a delegation comprising of trade companies from the Philippines to be featured in the “Trade Zone” at the Shanghai expo.

President Arroyo signed Administrative Order 246 on Dec. 1, 2008 creating the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) for World Expo 2010 involving the following agencies: Departments of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Public Works and Highways, among others.

The Philippine Pavilion will play host to a wide range of activities that accentuates the artistic spirit and passion as well as economic performance indicators of the country. There will be a display of Philippine musical instruments and festival paraphernalia, video installation exhibit of featured Philippine cities, live performances of Philippine traditional and symphonic music, a gift shop by the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries, and a themed restaurant featuring Philippine cuisine in the exhibit.

Another treat for trade visitors and international buyers is the Philippine traditional healing modality called the hilot. It is gaining international recognition in Germany, Singapore and Hong Kong as an alternative therapeutic massage technique.

All throughout the fair, participants will showcase their pitches on urban development and new approaches to creating eco-friendly society, lifestyle and working conditions in the 21st century following the show’s theme: Better City, Better Life.

A particular sector will be highlighted each month and business matching will be pre-arranged for the participating companies.