PH strengthens presence at CAEXPO 2025

The Philippines delivered another strong performance at the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2025, where 12 Philippine enterprises reinforced the country’s presence in the Chinese market.

From Sept. 17 to 21, Philippine companies from food and non-food categories showcased their products in the trade fair’s Commodity Pavilion, generating more than USD 18 million in total export sales.

Food enterprises featured durian and banana chips, while non-food companies offered natural remedies, banking essentials, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Fresh durian again emerged as the country’s best-selling product, reflecting sustained demand among Chinese buyers who favor its distinct taste and texture.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) organized the Philippine delegation through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), with support from the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

CAEXPO, launched in 2004, is one of China’s largest international trade events jointly supported by Chinese and ASEAN leaders to promote trade in goods, services, investments, technology transfer, and other areas of cooperation.

The Philippine delegation earned recognition from CAEXPO organizers during the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Sept. 19, where CITEM received the Best Organizer of Trade Visitors award.

Puyo Handicrafts of Cagayan de Oro and Raya Fiber Imperia of Marinduque each received a CAEXPO Excellent Design Award, which honors enterprises with innovative concepts, aesthetic and cultural value, environmental sustainability, and strong market potential in China and ASEAN markets.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said the country’s strong performance demonstrates the competitiveness of Philippine enterprises.

“This performance attests to Philippine enterprises’ established capabilities, demonstrating that we are deserving of a place in these rich markets,” Ocampo said.

She said CITEM remains committed to supporting Filipino businesses in expanding their global footprint.

The Philippines was represented in CAEXPO 2025 by Raya Fiber Imperia, BDO Unibank, Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., Oneasia Trader, Maylong Enterprise Corp., Eng Seng Food Products, KitSilver Jewellery, I. Ralph Jevan, Puyo Handicrafts, Trendy Merch Novelty Shop, Bebebalm Inc., and Jegen Swe Enterprise.

CAEXPO 2025 gathered 3,260 exhibitors from 60 countries and attracted more than 220,000 buyers.

The 22nd edition carried the theme “Promoting AI Empowerment and Innovation for a Shared Future – Leveraging China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 New Opportunities for an Even Closer China-ASEAN Community with a Shared Future.”

Filipino enterprises will enjoy additional privileges at next year’s CAEXPO as the Philippines will serve as the Country of Honor, a distinction last held by the country in 2013.

The designation is expected to boost exhibitor visibility and expand opportunities for cultural and economic engagement.