The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) recently led a promotional conference on the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 to advance its mission to uplift Philippine enterprises.
The Philippines’ export promotion agency was joined by key officials of the major trade fair, highlighting compelling advantages for participating enterprises.
The gathering prompted Filipino businesses to seek growth at the event, urging collaboration among government agencies, local government units, exporters, investors, and other stakeholders.
The session was held alongside IFEX Philippines 2026, featuring the Sustainability Solutions Exchange at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.Â
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo expressed optimism over the country’s designation as Country of Honor for the 23rd edition of CAEXPO, calling it a reflection of the “strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines, China and ASEAN neighbors.”
Citing Cebu’s role as Province of Charm, Ocampo highlighted the province’s manufacturing sector, thriving tourism industry, strategic infrastructure, and globally competitive enterprises.Â
Affirming its support for Cebu in this undertaking, CITEM led a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), with Ocampo representing the agency and Governor Pamela Baricuatro representing Cebu.
The CAEXPO Secretariat led by Deputy Secretary General Cheng Gong joined the promo conference to show its support, detailing opportunities for the Philippine delegation in the National Pavilion and Commodity Pavilion. During its presentation, the body stressed the significance of CAEXPO as a driver for activity in trade, investment, tourism and regional cooperation between China and the ASEAN community.Â
The China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange (CAMEX) was also taken up in the discussion, marketed as a permanent showroom for interested exhibitors from China and ASEAN.
Introduced in 2004, CAEXPO is one of China’s largest international trade events, jointly confirmed by Chinese and ASEAN leaders. It aims to promote trade in goods, services, and investment, as well as other key areas of cooperation such as technology transfer and communications. The upcoming edition will run from September 17 to 21, 2026 at Nanning, Guangxi, China.
