Local exporters have raised a total of $124 million in sales from China’s largest trade expo in what was seen as a show of improved trade ties between Manila and Beijing.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday reported the Philippine delegation of enterprises at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) earned $124 million in sales. This was made up of $108 million of signed orders for various farm goods, such as bananas, avocados and oranges, and another $16 million of direct sales from exhibitors.
“This is a big win for Filipino companies—especially those in the agriculture industry—as we push for greater promotion of our fresh fruits category in China’s huge market,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.
“The figures exceeded our target sales for this participation, which was $50 million. But Philippine products, known to be of quality to foreign buyers, received overwhelming approval at the CIIE,” he added.
The DTI brought with it 57 exhibitors to China’s largest trade show, and they were provided with 500 square meters at the venue in Shanghai. The exhibitors were mostly makers of snacks; alcoholic beverages; fruit-based products; nuts; chocolates; coffee; cosmetics; baby care; electronics; automotive goods; culinary tour packages; and franchising and education services.
Lopez is determined to double the sales from the CIIE next year, as the Philippines looks to fly a bigger delegation that will occupy 100 booths. On top of this, the DTI wants to offer a wider variety of fresh fruits in the trade show next year.
The CIIE is organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce and brought together thousands of foreign enterprises in a bid to showcase the country’s importing potential. It kicked off last Monday and closed last Saturday.
According to the state-run media China Daily, the CIIE generated $57.83 billion of deals, mostly on intelligence and high-end equipment ($16.46 billion), as well as food and agricultural products ($12.68 billion). It added closed agreements on automobile goods amounted to $11.99 billion; consumer electronics and home appliances $4.33 billion; and clothing and consumer products $3.37 billion.