PH brings in top export products in China expo

The Philippines makes a follow-up participation in the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) this year to forge stronger ties with China and its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The five-day economic trade fair was held at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Nanning, Guangxi, China on September 24-28.

The Philippine participation in CAEXPO, which has been organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) since 2004, features a business delegation of 15 exhibitors specializing in the areas of food and beverage, lifestyle, and services. Fostering cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, and diplomatic relations between ASEAN and China, CAEXPO is the region’s first and only international trade fair dedicated to reinforcing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

“Our commitment towards inclusive and sustainable growth is underscored by the government’s continuous participation in the China-ASEAN Expo which now runs for 21 straight years,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said.

Central to the Philippine participation in the 21st CAEXPO is CITEM’s partnership with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). CITEM, the country’s export promotion authority, has tied up with the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs to offer its services and help entrepreneurs grow their business.

“The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. has been a strong partner of the government in nation-building. I am very confident they can explore new partnerships and help entrepreneurs scale up their business,” Ocampo added.

Philippine Ambassador to People’s Republic of China Jaime FlorCruz (third from left) served as the head of the delegation at CAEXPO 2024. Joining him at the National Pavilion opening ceremony on September 24, 2024 were (left to right) CITEM Corporate Planning Division OIC-Head Katrina Pineda, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Guangxi Committee Mr. Zhou Chengfang, and Philippine Consul General to Guangzhou Iric Cruz Arribas.

The Philippine Pavilion opened its doors to international trade buyers and visitors through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Philippine Ambassador to People’s Republic of China Jaime FlorCruz. He was joined by the CITEM Corporate Planning Division OIC-Head Katrina Pineda, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Guangxi Committee Mr. Zhou Chengfang, and Philippine Consul General to Guangzhou Iric Cruz Aribas. After which, key government officials were given a tour around the National and Commodity Pavilions to engage Philippine exhibitors and sample their products and services.

Located at Hall D12, Booth D12057-D12072, the Commodity Pavilion houses a variety of fine-tasting food and beverages representing authentic Filipino flavors. The food showcase, focused on health and wellness, includes fresh produce such as durian, banana, and pineapple alongside top-selling food products and beverages like banana chips, dried durian, and coconut liqueur. The pavilion, likewise, offers a curated selection of home and fashion products that infuse cultural authenticity with contemporary design, featuring bags and fashion accessories crafted from locally-sourced materials. Topnotch banking services are also provided by one of the leading banks in the Philippines.

Visitors and buyers flock to the Commodity Pavilion to try and sample food products from the Philippines.

The country’s participation in CAEXPO 2024 is made possible through CITEM’s partnership with the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center - Guangzhou (PTIC-Guangzhou), the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

Similarly, FOODPhilippines is set to participate in the following trade fairs this year: SIAL Paris on October 19-23 in Paris, France; China International Import Expo on November 5-10 in Shanghai, China; and Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition on November 26-28 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Catch IFEX Philippines, the country’s biggest international food, beverages, and ingredients trade show, on May 22-24, 2025 as it aims to continue the narrative of championing Filipino food. IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.