Nanning, China—Philippine fruit exporters achieved record-breaking sales at the annual China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) held from September 24 to 28. The Philippine delegation secured USD 49 million in negotiated sales, a significant increase from the USD 10.19 million generated in 2023 and the highest in the country’s history at CAEXPO.

This success highlights the growing demand for high-quality Philippine produce in the Chinese market. The Philippine Commodity Pavilion, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), showcased diverse Filipino products. Top-selling commodities included durian, banana chips, and personal care products.

One of the Durian exporters attributed the impressive sales generated to consumers becoming more aware of the health benefits of eating durian. The fruit is increasingly recognized for its positive effects on digestion, bone strength, and immune system support.

Aside from the top commodities, the pavilion also offered other products such as liqueur, dried vegetable leaves, coconut products, guyabano, kangkong chips, banana, pineapple, local wearables, bags and accessories, banking and finance products and services, oils and liniments.

Despite sending a similar number of companies as last year, CITEM’s OIC for Corporate Planning, Ms. Katrina Pineda, reported encouraging sales figures from Philippine exporters at the recent five-day China expo.

This year’s Philippine delegation to the CAEXPO was led by the Philippine Ambassador to Beijing, Jaime FlorCruz, the Philippine Consul General to Guangzhou, Iric Cruz Arribas, CITEM’s Ms. Pineda, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Beijing Commercial Counselor Glenn Peñaranda, and PTIC Guangzhou Vice Consul Froilan Pamintuan. 

Bebebalm Inc. from Manila received the prestigious CAEXPO Golden Award for product excellence and innovation. Their selection was determined by a distinguished jury representing all ten of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and China, as well as through media and online voting.

The delegation showcased the Philippines’ diverse sectors, with food industry leaders like Eng Seng Food Products (Davao), Cale88 Foods Corporation (Davao), Raspina Tropical Fruits (Davao), KKK Food Corporation (Quezon City), and Three Sisters Home Made Banana Chips (Marinduque). Manufacturers like Dry Tech Manufacturing (Mindoro) demonstrated their capabilities, while financial institutions like BDO Unibank, Inc. (Makati) explored potential collaborations.

Other notable participants included BRICS Ventures (Laguna), Cervia Global Trading Inc (Makati), Heart Of Islands Holding Inc (Marinduque), Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO Abra), Anmari’s Fashion House (Bulacan), Jegen Swe Enterprises (Pampanga), and Kit Silver Jewellery (Bulacan).

This year, the Philippines also had a National Pavilion supported by the CITEM and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Furthermore, delegates from the Philippines engaged with their counterparts from other ASEAN nations and China in a wide range of activities focused on trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The Philippines has consistently participated in the CAEXPO, held annually in Nanning, China. This vital platform fosters trade and cooperation between China and ASEAN member states, providing valuable opportunities for businesses to forge connections and expand their global reach.

The PTICs are the DTI’s commercial offices overseas. PTIC Guangzhou has jurisdiction over Nanning. PTIC also maintains offices in Beijing and Shanghai in mainland China. ♦

Date of Release: 16 October 2024

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