Philippines Targets Record Sales at China-ASEAN Expo

The Philippines is targeting higher sales at this year's China-ASEAN (CAEXPO) Expo, aiming to surpass last year's performance. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the country's participation as this year's "Country of Honor" involves its largest delegation to date, signaling a push for increased exports. The expo, held until Sept. 21 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi, China, features a 313-strong national delegation. This includes 73 high-value export enterprises engaged in sectors such as agrifood, lifestyle, home and fashion, personal care, tourism, banking, and pharmaceuticals. This marks the second time the Philippines has been designated "Country of Honor" at CAEXPO, with the first instance being in 2013. Last year, 12 Philippine enterprises generated over $18 million in export sales at the event. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the importance of CAEXPO for promoting Philippine exports, noting it as a significant platform for discovering new products and exploring business opportunities. As "Country of Honor," the Philippines has the chance to promote not only its best products but also investment opportunities and tourist destinations. For this year's participation, the government allocated approximately P15 million to support exhibitors by subsidizing a portion of their participation fees. Leah Pulido Ocampo, executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), highlighted significant opportunities in exporting agricultural products like durian, bananas, and coconuts to China. Coconut products, in particular, are attracting buyer interest due to the growing consumer preference for natural and healthy goods in China. Cebu has been designated as this year's official "Province of Charm," showcasing its trade and investment opportunities and readiness to welcome investors. Secretary Roque stated that the participation in CAEXPO demonstrates the Philippines' readiness to do business not only with China but also with Asia and the rest of the world. Diversifying export markets is a key part of the government's growth strategy, with expectations that the country's goods exports will grow faster than the targeted three percent for this year.