SHANGHAI—Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez opened on Tuesday the Philippine National Pavilion at the China International Import Exposition, which aims to improve the market access of Philippine products into China. CIIE runs from November 5 to 10 and features 3,000 exhibitors from 130 countries.
“The Philippines appreciates the Chinese government’s thrust to deepen its globalization commitment. CIIE is China’s way of conveying to the world that it is ready to open more its market and encourage more exporters to China,” Lopez said.
He added: “It sends a strong signal to the world that China would also like to help balance trade with its trading partners, as China believes in promoting globalization that is more inclusive, to achieve the goal of having shared prosperity with other countries.”
The 136-square-meter Philippine National Pavilion, themed “Partner Philippines: Building Value Together,” showcases the country’s initiatives in trade, investment and tourism. It features 10 partner government agencies and companies, as well as 11 universities. These universities are promoting their undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL).
Aside from the national pavilion, there are 36 booths in the Enterprise Zone featuring Filipino exhibitors: 28 for food, five for consumer goods (apparel, accessories and consumer goods, electronics, automobile and information technology) and three for services (tourism and service outsourcing).
Lopez cited the close trade relations between the Philippines and China. China is the country’s largest import partner at $17.5 billion in 2017 and fourth-largest export market at $8 billion in the same year.
Also present at the opening ceremonies were Philippines Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Trade Director General for Asian Affairs Peng Gang, former Commercial Counselor of China to the Philippines and Mofcom Director General for Foreign Trade Development Bureau Wu Zhengping, Special Envoy to China Carlos Chan, Trade Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado and Department of Trade and Industry DTI-Citem Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.
The Philippine participation to the CIIE is spearheaded by the DTI, in cooperation with the following government and private-sector partners: the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Airlines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Anvil Business Club, Philippine Franchise Association and the Integrated Development Studies Institute.