Philippines trade mission to Mideast secures $27.28 million export sales

CEBU, Philippines — A recent business mission organized by the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) has successfully secured $27.28 million in export sales.

This achievement, which took place from February 7 to 21, 2025, highlights the growing economic ties between the Philippines and the Middle East. It also marks the first major initiative following the signing of a new agreement between DTI and DA aimed at promoting the export of agricultural and fisheries products.

The trade mission focused on expanding market opportunities and strengthening relationships in key Middle Eastern markets, including Doha (Qatar), Amman (Jordan), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Filipino exporters participated in various business activities, such as store visits, supplier meetings, and business-matching sessions, to connect with potential buyers, distributors, and industry leaders.

A major highlight of the mission was participation in Gulfood 2025, one of the world’s largest food trade shows, which allowed Philippine exporters to discuss market entry strategies and compliance requirements with officials from the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and the Dubai Municipality.

In addition to the success in the UAE and Qatar, the mission also sparked strong interest from the Jordan Food and Drug Administration and the Jordan Ministry of Agriculture. These entities expressed a keen interest in sourcing more Philippine marine products and tropical fruits, which opens up further opportunities for growth in non-traditional export markets in the Middle East.

A Strong Foundation for Future Growth

According to DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, the success of the mission demonstrates the growing recognition of the quality and competitiveness of Philippine agricultural, fisheries, and consumer products.  As we continue to build stronger connections with key markets in the Middle East, we are laying the foundation for sustained growth and long-term success for our exporters,  she said. “Our goal is to ensure that Philippine products remain in high demand worldwide.”

The mission also provided valuable insights for businesses participating in the mission. Aris Unson, from HDR Foods Corporation, shared that the business-to-business (B2B) meetings were instrumental in understanding the local market in the UAE.  We realized that our current marketing structure was no longer suited to the area s evolving business environment. These meetings helped us explore new markets and identify growth opportunities,  Unson said.

HDR Foods Corporation also used the B2B meetings to address key concerns with their distributors, particularly around marketing strategies.  We are optimistic that these discussions will help our products gain greater visibility and market presence in the UAE,  he added.

Broad Support for the Mission

The mission was supported by the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. and coordinated by the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Riyadh and Dubai, in collaboration with the Philippine Embassies in those countries. The participating companies were diverse, including well-known names like Axelum Resources Corp., Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., McCormick Philippines, and Sumifru Philippines Corporation, along with numerous others from the food, beverage, and personal care sectors.

As a result of the successful mission, Philippine businesses are optimistic about the future of their exports in the Middle East, with new opportunities and partnerships expected to further boost the country s global trade standing.