CITEM, FFCCCII team up to bolster PHL participation at CIIE, CIFIT

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), has partnered with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) to strengthen export promotions in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China on November 5 to 10, 2020.

The partnership also serves as a boost in the ongoing trade and investment promotion efforts of the Philippines, led by the Bureau of Investments (BOI), at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, China from September 8 to 11.

On September 10, FFCCCII turned over Php 1 million-worth of financial assistance to CITEM through an online ceremony. The donation will be used to strengthen the content marketing and export promotion of the Philippine delegations in CIIE and CIFIT.

At the turnover ceremony, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez commended FFCCCII’s continuous efforts in promoting local companies to the global market, as well as its assistance to the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“CIFIT and CIIE are strategic platforms for the Philippines and its export companies to draw the attention of the Chinese market with our exciting showcase of globally competitive product selections, economic developments, and investment opportunities,” noted Sec. Lopez.

“We are grateful to the FFCCCII for directly taking part in these international initiatives to amplify the much-needed support that we are giving to our stakeholders to further stimulate businesses and job creation, which can help the economy bounce back,” he added.

Aside from financial assistance, Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI’s Trade Promotions Group and Special Concerns said that FFCCCII has also been broadening CITEM’s network in terms of export promotions and insightful China market trends seminar through market readiness talks.

“We are also grateful to you [FFCCCII] for acting as a consultant for the layout of the Philippine pavilion following the principles of Feng Shui and a guide on translated promotional materials,” said Undersecretary Macatoman.

The trade undersecretary further said the organization’s assistance, which served as a springboard towards both participations, will result in the success of the DTI exhibitors and stakeholders, particularly the export and food companies that are being showcased this year.

Under the PartnerPhilippines branding, the country entered CIFIT as its Guest Country of Honor, which further underscores its willingness and capacity to work together with China towards economic growth and global expansion. In its ongoing CIFIT participation, the Philippines is leveraging on its good bilateral relations with China, strong economic fundamentals, and projected V-shaped recovery by 2021 to attract more Chinese investors to do business in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the CIIE, as the world’s biggest import expo providing new channels for countries and regions to do business in China, will strengthen cooperation and promote the common prosperity of the world economy and trade. In 2019, the CII had 150,000 individuals from 100+ countries participating at the event.

Under the FoodPhilippines brand, CITEM is eyeing to highlight 40 Philippine food companies through institutional participation in partnership with the Philippine Trade & Investment Centers (PTICs) in China and the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB). Food segments to be showcased at the Philippine pavilion include fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed), coconut products, ethnic and gourmet products and other functional food and beverage.

CITEM prioritizes stakeholders’ health and safety with virtual B2B activities

In this year’s participation in CIIE, CITEM will be adding a digital component to its event participation by observing physical distancing protocols while maximizing available marketing opportunities. The export promotion agency’s goal is to prioritize its stakeholders’ health and safety amid the global COVID-19 pandemic situation while highlighting the best of Philippine food.

“An exciting feature in this year’s participation is the interactive conference pods that will be made available in the FoodPhilippines pavilion to enable virtual business-matching activities. This will serve as an online touchpoint for buyers in China to meet with exhibitors from the Philippines,” said Undersecretary Macatoman.

In lieu of actual Philippine exhibitors manning the booths, the trade undersecretary said Philippine commercial attaches will represent the government and exhibitors, promote exhibitor brands and products onsite, and relay all business leads and contacts generated during the show.