Philippines Sends Largest Exporter Delegation to China-ASEAN Expo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is bringing its largest delegation to this year’s China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Expo (CAEXPO), in line with its aim to grow exports, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Designated as this year’s “Country of Honor,” the Philippines is being represented by a 313-strong national delegation, including 73 high-value export enterprises, at the 23rd CAEXPO being held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi, China, from Sept. 17 to 21. This is the second time the Philippines has been named CAEXPO’s “Country of Honor,” following its designation in 2013. Carrying the theme “The Philippines is Programmed for Business and Growth,” the country’s 73 exhibitors include enterprises in agrifood, lifestyle, home and fashion, personal care and allied services, tourism, banking and pharmaceuticals. Apart from showcasing Philippine products and services, the country’s participation will feature Cebu as CAEXPO’s official “Province of Charm,” and highlight the trade and investment opportunities it offers. Aside from posting annual economic growth of 7.3 percent, CITEM said that Cebu has world-class air and maritime logistics infrastructure and strategic deepwater ports, making it a high-yield destination for investment, industrial manufacturing and creative industries. Through its participation in CAEXPO, CITEM said the aim is to position the country as a premier sourcing hub and world-class travel destination. “CITEM did not build this milestone alone; it was forged by the ambition and product innovation of our 73-strong exhibitors, backed by a whole-of-government ecosystem,” CITEM said. “Every deal closed, and every partnership forged on this floor directly feeds into the country’s overall economic growth, elevating the Philippine export nation on the global stage,” it added. CITEM serves as the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI)’s export promotion arm. CITEM organized this year’s CAEXPO participation in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Foreign Affairs, Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Liwayway Marketing Corp. and Metropolitan Bank (China) Ltd. After the CAEXPO, CITEM is set to bring a delegation of Filipino food companies to SIAL Paris 2026 in France from Oct. 17 to 21. This will be followed by the Philippines’ participation in the China International Import Expo, which will run from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai. Earlier, DTI Export Marketing Bureau director Bianca Pearl Sykimte said the agency expects the country’s exports to grow faster than the government’s three percent growth target for exports of goods this year. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the country’s exports of goods from January to July rose by 13 percent to $54.92 billion from $48.67 billion in the same period last year. The seven-month export figure is the highest recorded since tracking began in 1991. Source: Philstar Business