Fil-Chinese chamber tapped for China expo promotions

MANILA, Philippines — The export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) to strengthen promotion efforts in an upcoming trade fair in China.

In a statement yesterday, the DTI said the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is working with the FFCCCII in promoting Philippine exports and firms at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held on Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai.

To help strengthen the content marketing and export promotion of the Philippine delegation in the CIIE, the FFCCCII turned over P1 million worth of financial assistance to CITEM.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the CIIE, dubbed as the world’s biggest import expo for firms intending to do business in China, is considered a strategic platform for the Philippines and its export companies to tap opportunities in the Chinese market.

“We are grateful to the FFCCCII for directly taking part in these international initiatives to amplify the much-needed support that we are giving to our stakeholders to further stimulate businesses and job creation, which can help the economy bounce back,” he said.

During the CIIE, CITEM aims to bring to the spotlight 40 Philippine food companies.

Among the products to be featured at the Philippine pavilion are fruits and vegetables, coconut products, ethnic and gourmet products and other food and beverages.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, CITEM will be adding a digital component to its participation in the CIIE this year.

“An exciting feature in this year’s participation is the interactive conference pods that will be made available in the Food Philippines pavilion to enable virtual business-matching activities. This will serve as an online touchpoint for buyers in China to meet with exhibitors from the Philippines,” Trade Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman said.

Instead of exhibitors manning the booths, he said Philippine commercial attachés would represent them, promote their brands and products, and relay all business leads and contacts generated during the show.

DTI said participation fees of Philippine firms would be waived to encourage them to join the CIIE.