The Philippines generated USD10.36 million total sales from the recently concluded 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China.
This was disclosed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in a statement released to the press on November 6.
Several of the 15 participating smalll and medium enterprises (SMEs) also successfully booked orders on top of their onsite retail performance. The fresh durian proved to be the most lucrative among the product offerings from the Philippine merchants, which comprised more than half of the total sales at USD5.4 million, followed by natural-based drink options (calamansi and energy drinks) and banana chips, contributing more than USD1.0 million each.
The Philippine participation is part of the country’s long-standing relations with top export trading partner China, whose import activities are valued to reach more than USD5.0 trillion in the next five years.
The Philippines joined 42 other countries that made up the 1,953 exhibitors and companies present at the 20th CAEXPO this year. Of the total, 644 came from the ASEAN while non-ASEAN countries reached 738.
In April 2023, the Philippines successfully delivered its first shipment of fresh durian to China, signaling the activation of the agreement for direct market access between the countries during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in January this year.
The top sales performance at CAEXPO 2023 of durian exhibitors from both retail and wholesale buyers reinforces the growing demand for the local durian variety in the global market. The Puyat variety from Davao boasts of a richer flavor profile than regional counterparts with its creaminess on top of its expected sweetness.
The 15 Philippine exhibitors that contributed to the USD10.36 million country sales are: (for food) Brics Ventures, Dataj Aquafarm Inc., Enature Energy Drinks Philippines Inc., Eng Seng Food Products, Lighthouse Cooperative, OneAsia Trader, Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., Soyuz Foods International Inc., and 22 Propack Asia Corporation; (for non-food) BDO Unibank Inc., Bebebalm Inc., Jegen S.W.E. Enterprises, Kitsilver, Santa Praxedes Sarakat Women Weavers Association, and R&V Fly Global Travel and Tours.
During the opening ceremony of the Philippine National Pavilion, which featured the City of Charm (COC)Tuguegarao and the Philippine Export Zone Authority, CITEM Executive Director Edward Fereira emphasized, “Partnerships are key. The stronger we make these relationships work, the better our prospects for enhanced export trade development.”
He acknowledged that business continuity with China bolsters not just the growth and success of the Philippine export industry, it also signifies the commitment to sustain overall goodwill between the two countries, as well as bridging more strategic partnerships within Asia and other regions.
Aside from the successful showcase of local exhibitors and networking activities with fellow exhibitors and buyers, the four-day exposition also created a comprehensive learning experience. Various engagements with top officials and trade authorities of participating countries were conducted, with the Philippines leading its own investment forum activities with the country’s head of delegation and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo. With CITEM as the organizing lead, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and representatives from partner agencies including COC Tuguegarao discussed a portfolio of business and direct investment opportunities for the international market.
