DTI lauds Citem’s global expo featuring Filipino food makers

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual hailed the successful 17th edition of the International Food Expo (IFEX) Philippines as Filipino food manufacturers took the spotlight at the nation’s biggest food expo.

The DTI, through its attached agency Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), drew in more than 500 exhibitors and event partners from across the country, showcasing the latest innovations in food manufacturing and their new products.

Pascual expressed his support saying this year’s IFEX theme salu-salo reflects the country’s efforts in highlighting Filipino ingenuity and creativity, as well as fostering entrepreneurship in the food and beverage industry.

“Through our collaboration with other sectors of society, this salu-salo perfectly encapsulates our creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through food driving growth and development to all peoples of economic classes,” said the DTI chief.

The food expo drew over 5,000 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines. Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of government agencies, international and local trade buyers and partners, retail customers, and media outlets also joined the opening ceremony on May 10, 2024.

Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Ana Carolina Sanchez underscored the importance of delivering comprehensive mechanisms to allow for inclusive growth opportunities and sustainable development.

She emphasized the department’s dedication to bolstering the food industry through strategic public-private partnerships, highlighting the collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Clark International Airport Corporation on the Three-Year Food Logistic Action Agenda to establish secure and affordable food distribution networks across the nation.

“To see trade as a domino effect across the varied communities and industries we want to help, up to the partners we meet along the way, the ones opening their networks to allow us to reach the world’s vast corners. This is the lifeline of our agricultural sector that we endeavor to strengthen and protect. Starting from our farmers up to the end consumers, if we continue to deliver on our commitments, soon demands for our export products will grow,” Sanchez said. /

Through our collaboration with other sectors of society, this salu-salo perfectly encapsulates our creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through food driving growth and development to all peoples of economic classes.

FRED PASCUAL DTI Secretary