DTI chief pushes to expand Filipino product presence in UAE | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

Dubai, UAE –– As part of her three-day official visit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristine A. Roque visited the SariSari Store, a convenience store located at Centurion Tower, Dubai on October 3. She also visited two leading supermarket chains in the UAE, Al Maya Supermarket and Carrefour, to explore opportunities for Filipino brands.

The visit at SariSari Store featured a diverse range of Philippine-made products, from clothing and fashion accessories to artisanal crafts and home décor. Organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai in collaboration with Sandbox Middle East—the largest Filipino-owned importer and retailer in UAE, this initiative aims to enhance market access for Filipino entrepreneurs globally.

“Dubai, with its vibrant multiculturalism and diverse population, is the perfect location to showcase the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Filipino products and services,” said Secretary Roque. “This pop-up store provides a vital platform for Filipino entrepreneurs to connect with a broad audience eager to explore unique products, including premium Filipino goods.”

Meanwhile, the back-to-back supermarket visits aimed to highlight the diverse range and exceptional quality of Filipino food, non-food, and lifestyle products available in the UAE. During these visits, Secretary Roque engaged with Al Maya and Carrefour to discuss opportunities for bringing Filipino brands abroad.

Al Maya, with over 50 stores across the UAE and Oman, and Carrefour, operated by Majid Al Futtaim with more than 375 stores in 15 countries, are instrumental in introducing Filipino products to a multicultural customer base.

In the visit, Secretary Roque expressed her gratitude to both supermarkets for their support in carrying Philippine brands and reinforcing the growing presence of Filipino goods in the UAE.

“We value the strong partnerships we have forged with Al Maya and Carrefour in carrying and promoting our Filipino products. Their support not only strengthens our trade relationship with the UAE but also empowers Filipino SMEs to share the best of Philippine craftsmanship and innovation with the world,” Secretary Roque added.

Moreover, Secretary Roque underscored the DTI’s determination to significantly increase the availability of Filipino food and non-food products in the UAE. This includes working closely with importers, distributors, consolidators, and retailers to ensure a wider selection of high-quality Filipino goods are readily accessible to consumers.

These visits are part of Secretary Roque’s official trip to the UAE, where she is actively engaging with business leaders and key stakeholders to enhance trade relations, promote investment opportunities, and position the Philippines as a reliable source of premium products in the international market. ♦

Date of release: 09 October 2024

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