THE Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai, organized an inbound business matching mission (IBMM) with Al Maya Group at the DTI International Building in Makati City on January 24.
Al Maya Group is a Dubai-based retail chain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of the biggest in its field in the Gulf region.
Al Maya Group met 14 exporters from the health and wellness, cosmetic and food sectors, namely Nattural Quality Corp., La Carlota Food Enterprises, Monde Nissin Corp., Mama Sita’s, Magicmelt Foods Inc., United Laboratories, Century Pacific Food Inc., Mica by the Sea Co., Marikina Foods, LTH Food Industries, C and H Cosmetic Industry, Chocovron, Chemrez Technologies and Grand Alphatech International Corp.
Present during the activity were DTI-EMB Assistant Director Anthony B. Rivera, Commercial Attaché Eric C. Elnar, Division Chief Rose Marie G. Castillo and two representatives from Al Maya Group, Deepak Salwani and Laxman Harwani.
Harwani said the activity was impactful for them as an importer, as they were able to connect with suppliers and assess firsthand their products of interest, as well as meet prospective suppliers for future requirements.
Philippine exporters said the activity was productive and a good learning experience, as well as, they get to be acquainted with the general export-regulatory requirements in the UAE, particularly labeling. They hope to undertake similar activities in the future.
The activity was able to exceed its target, turning in a 314-percent sales performance.
Last November an outbound business matching mission (OBMM) to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Muscat, Oman and Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was co-implemented by the EMB and PTIC-Dubai. The activity assisted 15 exporters through business-to-business meetings, meetings with the regulatory agencies, scoping activity and visited Al Maya Supermarket in Dubai. Secretary Abu Khayr Alonto of the Mindanao Development Authority and member of Philippine Halal Board also participated in the OBMM.