DTI brings Filipino soul to Seoul with SME Showroom launch

Seoul, South Korea—In a strategic move to advance Filipino products and businesses into the global market, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque inaugurated the DTI SME Showroom on May 14 at the PDOT Showroom, President Hotel. Driven by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a globally competitive and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas, this monumental effort establishes a vital platform for showcasing export-ready products and fostering international business partnerships for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“This launch is a concrete step towards bringing Filipino products and small and medium enterprises closer to the global market. It is a message to the world that the Philippines is ready, our enterprises are capable, and our products deserve a place on the global stage,” DTI Secretary Roque underscored.

“By providing this physical presence overseas, we break through geographical barriers for our SMEs and build the trust that international buyers seek. We are making it easier for the world to do business with the Philippines—one city, one showroom, one export deal at a time,” the trade chief added.

The newly launched showroom features a carefully curated and rotating selection of high-quality, export-ready products from across the Philippines. This initiative highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and capability of Filipino entrepreneurs, with products ranging from handmade textiles and crafts to innovative food products and beverages.

Spearheading the launch with Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Commercial Counsellor Charmaine Mignon Yalong, and Tourism Attaché Erwin Balane, Korean partners and business leaders, Secretary Roque also expressed her gratitude to the DTI-Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul for spearheading the project, as well as the Philippine Department of Tourism in Korea and the Philippine Embassy for providing showroom space and logistical support, respectively.

“This synergistic collaboration is a true representation of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to more effectively and efficiently promote the Philippines as a business and tourist destination of choice,” she emphasized.

“We warmly invite you to explore the showroom and experience firsthand the excellence, reliability, and heart that go into every Filipino product. Let us seize this opportunity to bring Filipino excellence to the world,” the trade chief added as she invited Korean partners and business leaders to the showroom.

The opening of the DTI SME Showroom in Seoul follows the launching of the maiden showroom established by the DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) in Tokyo last year. This initiative is a flagship project of Secretary Roque, under the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group’s Malikhaing Pinoy program, which champions Filipino creativity and innovation on the global stage. Interested parties may contact the DTI-FTSC through its official email at FTSC@dti.gov.ph. END