Philippines generates $1.1 billion from China trade show

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has generated $1.1 billion worth of sales from its participation in a recently concluded trade show in China, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“This is the highest earning recorded by the Philippines following its participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) since its maiden edition in 2018,” the CITEM said.

It said the overall sales include various purchase agreements made prior to the opening of the trade show worth $876.6 million. More than $226 million was also recorded under booked sales, sales under negotiation, retail sales, and business matching activities after the six-day trade exhibition.

As part of the overall export sales in CIIE, business matching activities led by the DTI-EMB, in partnership with the Bank of China (BOC), contributed a total of $3.4 million.

In 2022, the Philippines generated $655 million from its participation in the CIIE.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo stressed the importance of the Philippines’ consistent participation in CIIE as the government is pushing to expand its bilateral trade and investment relations with China and the rest of the world.

“The CIIE has become an important platform for the country to showcase its best-selling food products and attract potential investors in China, creating new business opportunities and boosting the economy,” Rodolfo said.

The CITEM noted that Chinese buyers from major traders and food organizations have also displayed a strong interest in agricultural produce and various food products offered in the Philippine Pavilion.

“As you know very well, the Philippine government is keen on exploring opportunities for partnerships with Chinese enterprises to increase its export capacities to China by enhancing the entire value chain. And every sector plays a crucial role in attaining this because export development entails a whole-of-nation approach,” PTIC-Shanghai Commercial Counselor Glenn Peñaranda said.

Agriculture counselor to the Embassy of the Philippines in Beijing Ana Abejuela earlier noted the interest of the Chinese market for the country’s durian.

“We see that the market for durian is huge in China and we have these opportunities, “she said, adding that the Philippines has gained market access for the fruit earlier this year.

In April this year, the Philippines successfully started durian exports to China.

China became the Philippines’ major export destination for fresh durian from January to October with shipments of about 3,481.29 metric tons out of the total 3,916.36 metric tons exported by the country globally.

“This year, the focus on durian at the CIIE is celebrated and supported, especially for hundreds of small farmers who will benefit from these exports. This signals a promising future for the Philippines’ local agricultural communities as it is also expected to generate at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs,” the CITEM said.

Aside from fresh durian, the country pavilion housed an array of delectable fresh produce along with an innovative lineup of processed food products like the coco aminos and syrup from the coconut flower/sap.

It added that a diverse selection of fine-tasting agricultural produce includes mango, coffee, coconut and other related products. Fun and healthy snacks were, likewise, offered such as banana chips, dried mangoes, desiccated coconut products, milkfish, and shrimp products, among others.