The Philippines continues to strengthen foreign export and trade relations as it brings local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) front and center at the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2023 to be held in Nanning, China from September 16 to 19, 2023.
The Philippine delegation is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
A mix of exhibitors, including food and beverage manufacturers, home and lifestyle enterprises, and banking and travel companies, will be carrying the country’s banner at the China-based expo.
A welcome highlight to this year’s Philippine participation in CAEXPO is the introduction of Tuguegarao City as the country’s esteemed “City of Charm.”
The city will open its doors to various investment ventures and potential partnerships with national government agencies and direct foreign investment.
The city is focused on generating growth in its priority sectors, such as agriculture and agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, healthcare and medical services, education and research, and manufacturing and logistics.
The CAEXPO 2023 Philippine participants can readily capitalize on the unique identity and quality of their product offerings. Eng Seng Food Products prides itself as the first exporter of durian which is now gaining popularity in China and other products such as fresh young coconut, and fresh frozen coconut meat and water.
With the ever-growing demand for healthy natural ingredients in many of today’s consumer digests, local exhibitors Brics Ventures brings to the table a wide range of turmeric-based drinks; while a visit to Soyuz Foods International Inc. offers calamansi concoctions.
Meanwhile, visitors can find OneAsia Trader and Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc. with their crop and fruit-based buffet of condiments, ingredients, and snacks consisting of (dried/frozen) banana, coconut, durian, and pineapple among others. Seafood is also available courtesy of Dataj Aquafarm, Inc.’s fresh and frozen shrimp packs.
Some of the product offerings at this year’s CAEXPO include (clockwise, from left): Frozen fresh white shrimp from Dataj Aquafarm, Inc., vacuum-packed frozen durian from Eng Seng Food Products, calamansi cider vinegar from Soyuz Foods International, Inc., and Turmeric Brew powder drink from Brics Ventures.
CITEM Executive Director Amb. Edward L. Fereira, Ph.D underscores the long-term benefits to local companies as a result of this international exposure to export and investment opportunities.
He is confident that the Philippines stands to further fortify its remarkable history and trade relations with China by promoting itself as a reliable sourcing destination of quality commodities through the marketing efforts of local exhibitors at the event.