The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported a total of USD 124 million worth of sales were generated by Philippine (PH) companies at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai, China on 5-10 November 2018.
Total PH sales include USD 108 million of signed orders for various agricultural products such as bananas, avocados, and oranges. It also includes USD 16 million of direct sales from exhibitors.
“This is a big win for Filipino companies—especially those in the agriculture industry—as we push for greater promotion of our fresh fruits category in China’s huge market,” said Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.
“The figures exceeded our target sales for this participation, which was USD 50 million. But Philippine products, known to be of quality to foreign buyers, received overwhelming approval at CIIE,” the trade chief added.
DTI brought 57 exhibitors to the event where they occupied a 500 square meter space at the biggest import expo in China. The exhibitors featured top-notch PH products and services including snacks, alcoholic beverages, coconut, mango, nuts, chocolates, and coffee; cosmetics, baby care; electronic, automotive products; culinary tour packages; franchising and education services.
DTI is looking forward to bringing a bigger delegation to next year’s CIIE. According to Sec. Lopez, DTI is eyeing 100 booths for next year and to double its PH sales compared to this year. A wider variety of PH fresh fruits is targeted next year.
The Philippine participation to the CIIE is spearheaded by the DTI, in cooperation with the following government and private sector partners: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Airlines, Anvil Business Club, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Integrated Development Studies Institute.♦
Date of Release: 12 November 2018