36 PH companies to join China buyers’ expo in Nov.

Some 36 Filipino enterprises will participate in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next month, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a statement, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said that of the 36 exhibitors, 28 will promote food products including snacks, alcoholic beverages, coconut, mango, nuts, chocolates, and coffee at the Food and Agricultural Products Halls 7.2 and 8.2 on November 5 to 10, 2018 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Dubbed as China’s largest expo, more than 100 countries are anticipated to join the CIIE, while over 100,000 professional Chinese buyers have registered to attend the event. The CIIE is the first expo in China catering to foreign exhibitors only with Chinese companies as primary buyers on hopes the exhibitors’ products can become part of the supply chain in Chinese manufacturing companies.

The week-long expo will also include side activities such as business matching meetings as well as trade and investment forums.

“China is a priority market for the Philippines and we want to push for exports of our products and services. We are also keen on attracting Chinese investments,” said Lopez.

Under the theme: “Partner Philippines: Building Value Together,” the Phil- ippine National Pavilion will showcase at CIIE the country’s initiatives in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism.

The highlights of the major pavilion also include traditional Filipino performances and a video installation depicting the milestones of Philippines-China relations, which dates back to the 16th century.

Lopez and Undersecretary Nora Terrado will represent the country at the Hongqiao International Forum and at the official opening ceremony of CIIE, which will be presided by Chinese President Xi Jin Ping on November 5, 2018.

“Our Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai will be arranging business meetings for our major Chinese buyers and our Filipino exhibitors during the CIIE,” said Terrado.

“We will gauge our success by the number of new business connections that we will be able to establish during this CIIE participation.”