DTI plans investment forum in China

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plans to organize an investment forum in China in November to accommodate all firms which expressed interest to participate in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) being held in Shanghai.

Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado said the Philippines is participating in the CIIE which is hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China from Nov. 5 to 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

While the Philippines is participating in CIIE, she said the DTI may hold an investment forum to accommodate firms interested to take part in the expo as the space given to the country for the trade event would be able to accommodate only 40 to 60 out of 150 that expressed interest.

“If we cannot accommodate in trade exposition, we will do an investment forum,” she said.

Earlier, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman emeritus Francis Chua raised concern over the country’s participation in CIIE as the Philippines was initially given only two of the requested 150 booths at the event.

Terrado said there is strong interest from different countries to participate in the CIIE as it is the first time the event is being held.

“This is the first time China is organizing this and there is a lot of transition. But everything is manageable...China is responding to our request. They are limited with the space. Also, it’s law of supply and demand,” she said.

For the CIIE, she said the Philippines intends to promote both processed and fresh food, as well as design-centric products in the Chinese market.

The CIIE is being held as the Chinese government seeks to strengthen trade relations with other countries.