FOODPhilippines marked another successful participation in the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE), surpassing export sales generated in the 2022 edition of the recently concluded import-themed trade show.
A delegation of 16 Philippine businesses engaged in food and beverages capped its participation in the world’s biggest import expo, held from November 5 to 10, and broke the USD 655 million sales recorded last year, yielding a total of USD 1.1 billion in overall sales this year.
This included purchase agreements made prior to the opening of the 6th CIIE, tallying nearly USD 900 million with ceremonial turnover and signing during the show.
More than USD 226 million was recorded under booked sales, sales under negotiation, retail sales, and business matching activities after the 6-day trade exhibition. This is the highest earning recorded by the Philippines following its participation in the Chinese expo since its maiden edition in 2018.
The top food products in terms of dollar value of export leads were durian, bananas, specialty coffee, and pineapples. Bananas and pineapples remain as the staple Philippines’ fresh fruits exports to China.
This monumental milestone translates to substantial employment opportunities for Filipino families, a more inclusive economic growth felt by a larger population. In a report issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a huge portion of the Philippine economy is driven by export-related activities. A significant growth was recorded in 2022, tallying a total of USD 78.8 billion in export revenue from 74.7 billion in 2021.
Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and in close collaboration with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Shanghai (PTIC-Shanghai), Philippine Department of Agriculture – Office of the Agriculture Counselor in Beijing (DA-OAC Beijing), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., (PhilExport), and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), 16 food exhibitors took the center stage to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Philippine food landscape. Joining the Philippine delegation are four (4) other Philippine businesses supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) from the food, consumer, and services sectors.
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 USD 3.4 million.
International and local trade buyers, along with Philippine exhibitors convene at the matchmaking conference facilitated by the DTI-EMB in collaboration with the Bank of China. Photo courtesy of DTI-EMB
The Philippine pavilion opened its doors to international and Chinese trade buyers through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo. He was joined by Philippine Ambassador to China, H.E. Jaime FlorCruz, Consul General Josel Francisco Ignacio, CITEM Executive Director Edward Fereira, PTIC-Shanghai Commercial Counselor Glenn Peñaranda, and DA Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo.
