CITEM activates strategic partnerships to drive export success at CAEXPO 2026

Advancing its mission to uplift Philippine enterprises, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) led a promotional conference on the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026. The Philippines’ export promotion agency was joined by key officials of the major trade fair, highlighting compelling advantages for participating enterprises.

Held on May 21, the gathering prompted Filipino businesses to seek growth at the event, urging collaboration among government agencies, local government units, exporters, investors, and other stakeholders. The session was held alongside IFEX Philippines 2026, featuring the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo expressed optimism over the country’s designation as Country of Honor for the 23rd edition of CAEXPO, calling it a reflection of the “strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines, China and our ASEAN neighbors.” Excited for Cebu’s role as Province of Charm, Ocampo highlighted the province’s manufacturing sector, thriving tourism industry, strategic infrastructure and globally competitive enterprises.

Affirming its support for Cebu in this undertaking, CITEM led a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), with Ocampo representing the agency and Governor Pamela Baricuatro representing Cebu.

Introduced in 2004, CAEXPO is one of China’s largest international trade events, jointly confirmed by Chinese and ASEAN leaders. It aims to promote trade in goods, services, and investment, as well as other key areas of cooperation such as technology transfer and communications. The upcoming edition will run from September 17 to 21, 2026 at Nanning, Guangxi, China.

CAEXPO Secretariat outlines benefits for exhibitors

The CAEXPO Secretariat joined the promo conference to show its support, detailing opportunities for the Philippine delegation in the National Pavilion and Commodity Pavilion. During its presentation, the body stressed the significance of CAEXPO as a driver for activity in trade, investment, tourism and regional cooperation between China and the ASEAN community.  The China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange (CAMEX) was also taken up in the discussion, marketed as a permanent showroom for interested exhibitors from China and ASEAN.

The CAEXPO Secretariat was represented by CAEXPO Deputy Secretary General Mr. Cheng Gong; Director of Liaison Division Huang Xin; Director of Convention Management  Huang Weimin; and Liaison Officers Xuang Xinyu and Li Yufei. Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Minister Counselor Yang Guoliang also joined the event.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association, and PhilCham also sent representatives to the conference.

The CAEXPO coordination meeting was held the following day, focusing on preparations, activities, and the delegation’s expectations. The Philippine delegation was led by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, with representatives from the DTI-Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG), CITEM, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Guangzhou, Foreign Trade Services Corp (FTSC), DTI-Export Management Bureau (EMB), Board of Investments (BOI), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA) and the Provincial Government of Cebu.