Philippine Brands Attract Deals and Buyer Interest at China Import Expo

DTI Usec. Rodolfo, Amb. FlorCruz and CG Ignacio with Philippine Government officials and food industry exhibitors at the inauguration of the FoodPhilippines Pavilion at the 6th CIIE, Shanghai, 06 November 2023. (Shanghai PCG photo)

SHANGHAI 15 November 2023 – Government and business sectors see another banner year for food and agricultural products at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) last 05 to 10 November 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

First held in 2018, the CIIE is the world’s largest import-focused trade event, and an important platform for the Philippines’ promotion of food and agricultural product exports into China under the “Food Philippines” banner.

At the center of the action is the country’s 160 sqm-plus Food Philippines pavilion and its display and product tasting kiosks manned by Filipino food industry exhibitors. The pavilion sports the color palette of fresh Philippine durian, on which the spotlight is being trained this year to sustain the momentum of the historic first exports to China this past April.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting presided led by DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo and other officials touched off a flurry of inquiries and negotiations between Filipino exhibitors and eager Chinese buyers.

Later, Undersecretary Rodolfo, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime S. FlorCruz, Consul General in Shanghai Josel F. Ignacio and other officials were ceremonially presented copies of purchase agreements for Philippine goods from Dole China, Shanghai Goodfarmer Banana Co. Ltd., and other players.

Philippine presence in as many CIIE iterations has made the event one of the most fruitful overseas trade events for the country.   In 2021 and 2022, the Philippines netted US$ 597 million and US$ 655 million, respectively, in deals and commitments.

Philippine participation in the CIIE is helmed by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions, with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai. END