PH Participation in China Expo a Resounding Success

The Philippines generated a record-high $655.15 million in sales through its trade fair participation at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai held early in November. This is the highest yield recorded for a Philippine country participation anywhere in the world for the year, and the highest sales generated from the CIIE since its inception in 2018.

The Philippines' hybrid participation, led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), included 62 food and food-related companies, the highest number of Philippine exhibitors in the CIIE to date.

Secretary Fred Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in his remarks during the official opening of the CIIE participation, stated that, “Our participation in the CIIE has become not only a practical response to opportunity but an imperative to expand our international market, cement the Philippines’ reputation as a reliable sourcing destination for food, and introduce more quality food products into China’s mainstream markets.”
On-site sales and bulk purchase contracts accounted for 97% of total sales, while the remaining 3% came from online business-matching activities.

“The amount of products we export to China has vastly increased in the past 5-6 years, and sales were 5 times higher compared to the first time the Philippines has participated in the 2018 CIIE,” said Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Shanghai head Mario C. Tani.

The CIIE was launched in 2018 as one of China's major trade promotion initiatives, with China President Xi Jinping attending the first two editions in Shanghai. Despite the pandemic, increased sales were generated both in 2020 and 2021.

At the forefront of the CIIE pavilion design and conceptualization, CITEM presented a one-country promotional approach with a single storyline, a call to experience a “Festival of Island Flavors.” The Philippine pavilion showcased three brands: FOODPhilippines, CoconutPhilippines, and Liwayway China's well-known Oishi brand.

The DTI, through its Trade Promotions Group (TPG) and the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), also established strategic alliances by signing cooperation intentions with two of China's largest food chambers, the Beijing-based China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA) and the Shanghai Food Association (SFA).

With a combined membership of 7,500 companies, these cooperation arrangements will be critical to enhancing cooperation between Philippine and Chinese companies in areas such as business-matching, technical cooperation, and investments to boost food production capacity.
“We value the partnership with CFNA and SFA as we pursue increased collaboration in enhancing food trade. We hope that this can progress to deeper collaboration in the whole value chain in food production, processing and marketing,” said DTI’s OIC for TPG, Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda.
The Philippines' hybrid participation is led by DTI through CITEM, its export promotion arm. It is co-organized with the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Shanghai (PTIC-Shanghai), the Export Marketing Bureau, together with partner agencies, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Office of the Agricultural Counsellor in Beijing (OAC-Beijing), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT).

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

About FOODPhilippines

FOODPhilippines promotes the country as a source of quality food products and ingredients in physical and/or digital trade shows and business-to-business platforms in priority markets around the world.

Under the FOODPhilippines banner, the Philippines is positioned as an exporter of healthy, organic, natural, and specialty food products and services.

DTI Investment Roadshow in Osaka eyes more Japanese Investors

Osaka, Japan, 22 November 2022 — Following the successful series of investment promotion activities in Tokyo and Nagoya, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Offices in Japan — Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Osaka and the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) recently concluded a Philippine Investment Roadshow in Osaka City which aims to seek potential Japanese investors to expand their operations in the Philippines, last 18 November, 2022.

Several high-profile activities constituted the investment roadshow, starting with meetings with PTIC Osaka’s important strategic partners such as with officials of Resona Bank, Ltd. and the Osaka International Business Promotion Center. This was followed by a high-level Philippine Investment Round Table Meeting hosted by Resona Bank at their Osaka headquarters, attended by major Kansai-based companies, many of which already have operations in the country.

DTI Undersecretary (Vice Minister) and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head, Ceferino S. Rodolfo, delivered the Keynote Presentation at the Investment Round Table, where he discussed the strategic investment opportunities in key sectors particularly for Japanese companies, government incentives, and the country’s comparative advantages.

During the forum, Undersecretary Rodolfo discussed the current economic outlook, strategic opportunities for Japanese manufacturing players, and the country’s menu of investment incentives and programs. Additionally, he highlighted the countries’ exceptional performance as it recovered from the negative effects of the pandemic, especially as the manufacturing industry, rose to being second in ASEAN in January to October 2022. PH exports also grew by 14.4% and foreign direct investments (FDI) by 82% in 2021.

He also cited game-changing key policy reforms offering to provide valuable investment incentives and programs to reduce cost of doing business in the Philippines such as the: Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprise (CREATE) act, the amendments made to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Foreign Investment Act (FIA), and Public Services Act (PSA) which are all envisioned to attract more Japanese participation in the country’s FDI pipeline.
Deputy Consul General Melchor Lalunio of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka delivered the closing remarks at the Philippine Investment Round Table Meeting, encouraging Japanese companies to explore investment possibilities in the country.

In addition to the executives representing various companies at the round-table meeting, PTIC Osaka also organized a series of one-on-one meetings for the Undersecretary and the BOI executive Directors, with top executives of various Kansai-based Japanese companies, which all announced their plans to expand their operations and infuse additional investments into the country. These companies belonged to key manufacturing sectors such as precision metal parts and components, high-end garments manufacturing, precision plastics and components, and software development among others, two of which signified their intention to establish manufacturing facilities in CALABARZON, in addition to existing facilities in Cebu.

PTIC Osaka has identified several priority sectors (such as automotive industry manufacturing and EV, innovation and R&D, Agriculture modernization, pharmaceutical and life sciences, infrastructure development, among others) and key strategies in the delivery of its trade and investment promotion mandates, among them, aggressive promotion of the Philippines as a preferred destination for Japanese supply chain players, mostly belonging to the Small and Medium Enterprise bracket, which comprise 99.7% of all Japanese companies.

This is particularly important as there is a pressing need to significantly improve the country’s manufacturing supply and value chain ecosystem to support the presence of major manufacturing conglomerates already operating in the country, as well as to attract the entry of new players and reduce dependence on importation in the sourcing of manufacturing imports and raw materials.

PH Active Participation in 5th CIIE Showcases Strength of the Philippines’ Food Exports to China

Shanghai, China – The Philippines once more showcased the strength of its food exports to China through a highly successful participation in China’s largest import-themed trade show—China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai on 5 to 10 November, 2022.

In his remarks during the opening of the CIIE, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual stated that “The Philippines’ participation in CIIE has become not only a practical response to opportunity, but an imperative to expand our international market, cement the Philippines’ reputation as a reliable sourcing destination for food, and introduce more quality food products into China’s mainstream markets.”

The Trade Chief further mentioned that “The DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) has also provided the much-needed tools in upskilling our exporters to be fully equipped to join this exposition. We have also partnered with the private sector through Liwayway China, which carries the highly renowned “Oishi” brand – a brand that is deeply cherished with fond memories both in the Philippines and in China, and a testament that quality products can truly be a bridge that connects our country, and our people.”

The Country’s participation is supported by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Shanghai, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, and in partnership with our Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Agriculture Counsellor (OAC) in Beijing.

Additionally, the DTI, through its Trade Promotions Group (TPG) and the EMB also formed strategic linkages via signed cooperation intentions with 2 of China’s largest food chambers – the Beijing based China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA) and the Shanghai Food Association (SFA). With both chambers having a combined number of 7,500 member companies, these cooperation arrangements will be vital to enhance cooperation between food exporters in the Philippines and Chinese food companies in areas of business matching, technical cooperation, and investments to boost capacities in food production.

TPG OIC, Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda affirmed the importance of these agreements and commented that “We value the partnership with CFNA and SFA as we pursue increased collaboration in enhancing food trade. We hope that this can progress to deeper collaboration in the whole value chain in food production, processing, and marketing”.

Likewise, PTIC Shanghai Head Mario C. Tani said, “The amount of products we export to China has vastly increased in the past five to six years, and sales were five times larger compared to the first time the Philippines has participated in the 2018 CIIE."

For this year’s CIIE, due to strict travel restrictions still in place related to China’s Zero-Covid Policy approach, the official Philippine delegation was physically led by the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai as represented by Consul General Jose Ignacio. In the official pavilion opening at Shanghai’s enormous 500,000 sqm National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), CG Ignacio stressed in his message that “What is constant is that the FOOD PHILIPPINES Pavilion’s central message - “healthy and fresh”, as only food products from the Philippines can offer, bar none, and as devoted and new buyers and importers alike can strongly attest to.”

At the forefront of the CIIE “FOOD PHILIPPINES” Pavilion design and conceptualization, CITEM presented this year a unified one-country promotional approach featuring three brands – “FOOD PHILIPPINES”, “COCONUT PHILIPPINES”, and the famous “Oishi” brand by Liwayway China, with a single storyline—a call to experience a “Festival of Island Flavors”.

For the first time, several Philippine coconut products were on display at the Coconut Philippines Pavilion. The Country is known worldwide to be a major producer and supplier of coconut oil, and the exhibits did not only showcase coconut oil in various forms, but also other innovative products made from coconut—the tree of life.

A key partner for the CIIE, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the OAC in Beijing, also highlighted new and exciting products featured in this year’s expo, namely Philippine specialty coffee, and innovative coconut-based products.

Agriculture Counsellor Ana Abejuela reiterated the need to sustain the good momentum of the Philippines' agricultural exports to China. “The Philippines is already the top exporter of tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapples to mainland China. We must sustain this momentum by introducing even more innovative and exciting products through the CIIE such as PH specialty coffee and where to introduce this best but in the city known to be the coffee capital of China—Shanghai, and at the largest import expo—CIIE.” The Philippine specialty coffee brands were well received by coffee aficionados in both offsite and onsite tasting events.

With a record high of 62 food and food-related exporting companies from the Philippines, total sales recorded from this year’s participation reached USD655.15 million (exact amount: USD655,145,756.02), the highest yield recorded for a Philippine country participation anywhere in the world for the year, and the highest sales generated from the CIIE, since its inception in 2018. Of this total amount, 97% came from onsite sales and bulk purchase contracts, with 3% coming from online business matching activities.

In 2018, the CIIE was launched as one of China’s major trade promotion initiatives and was supported by Chinese President Xi Jinping who attended the first 2 editions in 2018 and 2019 in Shanghai. The Philippines registered sales of USD128 million in 2018 and USD256 million in 2019. Despite the pandemic, increased sales were generated both in 2020 and 2021.

Philippine Fashion Lands in Seoul, South Korea

As part of its program to promote the Philippine creative sector and fashion industry in Korea, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Seoul, in partnership with the Manila Fashion Festival organized and hosted the opening of PH Mode x SEL, a fashion exhibit, from 26-29 October, 2022. The Exhibition will be held at Samcheong Dong, one of the popular spots in Seoul for art and lifestyle with museums, art galleries, fashion stores, and restaurants.

Showcased in the exhibition are exclusive selections created by Philippine senior and contemporary designers by merging Korea’s unique high tech fabric and Philippine indigenous materials, paving way for creative synergy.

Started in 2014, the Manila Fashion Festival (MFF) is a bi-annual event and produced over 150 designers and brands shows with eight (8) major fashion media partners in the Philippines. The MFF is considered as the largest fashion runway event in the Philippines today and highlights the artistry of Filipino fashion talents.

Additionally, PH MODE was created as a compilation brand to showcase modern Philippine fashion design overseas. It serves as a gateway for collaboration with international suppliers and to develop an efficient supply chain for Philippine designers, as well as to provide business launching opportunities for this young emerging market.

The PH MODE x SEL by MFF is in collaboration with Korea’s leading textile company, IGS.F, which produces high tech fabric brand called GRAPHENETEX. The exhibit features an exclusive collection ensemble created by MFF selected Philippine senior and contemporary designers, showcasing a fusion of Korea’s unique high-tech fabric and Philippine indigenous material (traditional handwoven textile).

In February 2023, the MFF will return to Manila for Season 15 showcasing the Tokyo and Seoul collections with participating designers from Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul.

Through MFF’s unique strategic international positioning, the Philippines will soon become a major player in global fashion.

DTI TO PROMOTE PHILIPPINE IT-BPM INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIAN MARKET

The Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Sydney (PTIC-Sydney) will conduct a webinar+ on 25 September 2020, 1:30 pm in the Philippines and 3:30 pm in Australia.

The webinar+ is a two-part activity composed of a webinar to be followed by a B2B, to promote the Philippine Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry in Australia.

The webinar, entitled “The Philippine IT-BPM Industry: Your Tool for Business Recovery and Continuity”, will focus on the capability of the Philippine IT-BPM industry to deliver services to global clients, specifically in the Australian market, and to share its current initiatives in maintaining the industry’s resiliency and readiness for business amidst the pandemic.

It will also present the current state of the IT-BPM industry and discuss IT-related and BPM services beyond voice, focusing on IT services (including finance and accounting), software development, Engineering Services Outsourcing (ESO), and creative servicesaimed at encouraging Australian companies to consider the Philippines for their outsourcing or work sharing needs to help optimize and scale up their business during a pandemic.

Topics will cover discussions about the state of the industry, how the industry is coping with the challenges, and its strategies to address the impact brought about by the pandemic. Likewise, it is an awareness campaign that PH business is open and capable to provide the demand of its client’s outsourcing needs.

The webinar will be live streamed via Zoom and will be participated in by industry experts as speakers namely, Mr. Rey Untal, the president of IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines; Mr. Jonathan Luzuriaga, president of the Philippine Software Industry Association; and Mr. Ernesto S. de Castro, president of the Philippine Engineering Services Outsourcing. President of Australia Philippines Business Council Mr. Eduard Alcordo and Mr. Derek Gallimore, founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, the leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) marketplace, will also be present as co-moderator and host, respectively.

A targeted online business to business matching (B2B) session will be also be conducted as a follow up to the webinar on Sept. 29, 2020. Through the B2B, PH companies can connect, consult, and engage with Australian companies, aimed at exploring how the Philippines can integrate and provide its value-adding services to their existing business supply/value chain.

DTI in Sydney offers Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Webinar Series to Overseas Filipinos Affected by COVID-19

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Sydney, the overseas office of the DTI in Australia, organized the first webinar of the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) webinar series held on 20 April 2020.

The TNK is an initiative of the DTI in partnership with other government agencies, private sector, academe and civil society organizations, to increase incomes by generating more jobs and promoting entrepreneurship. The program aims to popularize entrepreneurship as an alternative to unemployment, job-seeking or migration.

Alma Argayoso, the Philippine commercial consul to Australia said that PTIC-Sydney had conducted TNK seminars in the past and has lined-up several seminars this year. However, due to coronavirus restrictions, the physical events have been cancelled but they have decided to offer virtual seminars.

“We realized that the webinars would be very useful particularly for those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, or for returning Filipinos who would like to start their own business. The webinars might also be of interest to Overseas Filipino Investors (OFIs) or even Australians who would like to help the Philippines recover from the pandemic by investing in viable economic activities in the country as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted or helping finance the livelihood activities or rehabilitation efforts of their relatives or friends back home,” Argayoso said.

The first webinar of the series covered Franchising 101 and discussed key topics such as how to start and select a franchise business, benefits and pitfalls of franchising, franchising regulations, and franchising opportunities in Australia and the Philippines.

The speaker, Mr. Rudolf Kotik, founder of RK Franchise Consultancy Incorporated, discussed the basics of franchising for those looking for franchise opportunities in the Philippines or Australia, as well as opportunities for business owners who wish to develop their business into a franchise. An option to participate in a co-franchise agreement was also discussed where an opportunity to co-own a franchise together with other franchisees is available for those who wish to start a franchising business as a passive investor.

Mr. Kotik highlighted that the future of franchising is assured even after COVID-19 and is one of the most enduring industries one can think of. He said that aside from food businesses, the services sector such as beauty salons, spa services and laundry shops would bounce back immediately after lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“Franchising is an industry with a proven business system and the best way to invest your money and I highly recommend it to our overseas Filipino workers looking for alternative ways of employment or those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19,” Kotik added.

Argayoso, during her presentation, highlighted that aside from the webinar initiated by her office, the DTI in the Philippines offers various services, tools and information to help Filipinos succeed as entrepreneurs. Through DTI’s Negosyo Centers located all over the country, the agency provides business advisory, business registration facilitation, product catalogue preparation, packaging and labelling design development, mentorship, education and training, exposure to online platforms and trade fairs, as well as funding for MSMEs.

More recently, DTI’s financing arm, SB Corporation announced a P1B loan facility for MSMEs affected by COVID-19 which will be rolled out by partnering with Negosyo Centers in accepting loan applications for small enterprises.

Argayoso said the TNK webinar series will discuss various business opportunities and feature a sector or industry per session. It will also include other topics of interest related to starting a business

PH Focuses on Innovation to Level Up Trade, Investment Partnership with Japan

TOKYO - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted the Philippine (PH) government’s new industrial policy that will push for innovation as it strengthens PH-Japan trade and investment relations. During the Nikkei BP Publications’ PH-Japan Business Investment Forum last 28 October 2019,DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba discussed the country’s Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3S) and the areas that both PH and Japan can collaborate under this policy.

“In the context of these trade and investment trends between the Philippines and Japan along with global developments such as the entry of new technologies, we feel the need to focus our efforts on innovation to address the opportunities and challenges arising from Industry 4.0 but also from increasing global competition, US-China trade war, and regional economic integration,” said Usec. Aldaba to over 600 members of the Japanese business community.

“i3S puts innovation at the heart of our industrial policies. Our goal is to grow globally competitive and innovative industries,” she added.

The Undersecretary underscored PH’s drive to develop its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through strong collaboration between and among government, academe, and industry; utilize new technologies to make the country’s industries more competitive; reduce barriers in investments; and link manufacturing with agriculture and industry to expand PH’s global value chain participation.

“With Japan and the Philippines sharing complementing natural and human resources, technology and innovation will play a key role in helping us achieve the full potential of our economic partnership with Japan,” said Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Tokyo Commercial Counsellor Dita Angara-Mathay

At the sidelines of PH-Japan Business Investment Forum, eight investment meetings were arranged by PTIC – Tokyo, DTI’s field office in Japan with Undersecretary Aldaba and various Japanese firms to discuss business opportunities in PH. A total of USD 215 million-worth of investment projects to PH was reported following these meetings.

These investment intentions -- covering infrastructure development, railways, Electric Vehicle (EV) public transport systems, retail, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, factory automation, construction, and real estate industries-- were presented and discussed with Undersecretary Aldaba and Commercial Counsellor Angara-Mathay.

The investment projects include the opening of PH’s first MOS Burger, Japan’s second largest burger chain, in March 2020; Assemblepoint Co., Ltd’s interest to develop smart 4WEV (4-wheel EV) using the latest IOT technologies; Japanese anime studio Satelight’s intention to outsource animation work in PH; as well as Kanepackage’s new factory facility.

Sumitomo Wiring also presented their two expansion projects in wire harness and components manufacturing. Marubeni Corporation likewise shared their joint venture project with Metro Pacific and LSI to build 30 primary care clinics, 10 cancer centers, and install five centralized laboratory testing hubs in strategic cities.

“There are many potential opportunities for the Philippines and Japan to deepen trade and investment partnership through innovation. I am delighted that the companies I met during this trip are making significant contributions in the areas of creating new industries, products and leapfrogging to Industry 4.0 by adopting smart manufacturing to transform our industries,” said Undersecretary Aldaba.

“We will try to reach out to more Japanese companies specializing in among others, electrified vehicles & parts, advanced manufacturing, factory automation, mobility solutions and smart cities. Philippine startups are also seen as future drivers of innovation. More learning missions to Japan will be organized to facilitate new learnings on and establish key connections with holders of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI),” shared Commercial Counsellor Angara-Mathay.

Russian Businesses Bullish on Expanding in PH — DTI Chief

MAKATI — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez revealed that Russian businesses are keen on expanding their operations to the Philippines (PH).

During a meeting with Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksey Gruzdev and delegation of Russian business executives on 25 September 2019, Sec. Lopez shared PH’s priority industries that Russia can participate in. He highlighted pharmaceutical, medical, as well as vehicle manufacturing sectors that both countries can collaborate on.

“The Philippines, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes the interest of Russia to pursue economic cooperation engagements with the government and our business sector. We are optimistic that this good bilateral relationship between the two countries would drive investments, trade, and jobs,” said Sec. Lopez.

According to the trade chief, Russian businesses are exploring opportunities on various industries including airport infrastructure, aviation, shipbuilding, railways, satellite navigation system, waste water management, and power.

Deputy Minister Gruzdev expressed confidence with both countries’ strengthened business relationship and economic partnership. He likewise reiterated Russia’s openness for trade cooperation.

The meeting was held prior to President Duterte’s visit to Moscow this week, where DTI will bring over 150 business delegation to link with possible Russian counterparts. Various business agreements will also be signed during the visit. These include sale of PH canned fish and coconut products, as well as distributorship of lifestyle products and healthcare systems.

Also present during the meeting were DTI Assistant Secretary Angelo Taningco, Foreign Trade Service Corps Executive Director Magnolia Uy, Board of Investments Executive Director Ma. Corazon Dichosa, Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev, and Ministry of Industry and Trade Deputy Director for Asia, Africa, and Latin America Aleksey Meshkov.

PH Food Exporters Showcase Products in Russia

As part of the Department of Trade and Industry - Export Marketing Bureau’s (DTI-EMB) approach in expanding Philippine exports, the Philippines will participate in an Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to Moscow, Russia on September 20 to October 01, 2019.

This mission is in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) - Moscow and Department of Agriculture (DA). The OBMM is just in time for the WorldFood Moscow 2019 that will be held on September 24 - 27, 2019 at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center, Moscow, Russia.

The delegation will be composed of 14 Philippine food companies who will feature tropical fruits and juices, artisanal chocolates, banana chips, crackers and biscuits, virgin coconut oils and other coconut products, noodles, condiments, and fishery products.

There will be business matching sessions and market scanning. The delegates will also have a briefing with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EAEC) to inform them on the preferential tariffs provided to beneficiary countries including the Philippines. The EAEC is an economic union composed of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia with a consumer base of over 170 million.

The OBMM will also provide opportunities for exporters of fishery products which were recently accredited by Russia to promote their products.

“We are now looking at Russia as an emerging market for Philippine exports as we take advantage of the improving trade relations of both countries,” DTI - Trade Promotions Group Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman said.

WorldFood Moscow is a recognized international food and drink exhibition in Russia which could be an entry point for international manufacturers who aim to penetrate the Russian market. The event connects thousands of businesses from around the world with Russia’s key food and drink buyers, including retail representatives from Russia’s leading supermarket chains, wholesalers, hotel-restaurant-café sector, and food manufacturers.

In 2018, Russia was the Philippines’ 21st trading partner with a total bilateral trade valued at US$1.36 billion or 0.74% of total Philippine trade with the world valued at US$182.15 billion. It is the 33rd export market valued at US$86.07 million or 0.12% share of the total Philippine exports to the world valued at US$69.31 billion and 19th import source accounting for US$1.27 billion or 1.13% share of the total Philippine imports from the world valued at US$112.84 billion.

Moreover, the exports of food products is valued at US$17.12 million in 2018. The top 3 Philippine food exports to Russia were desiccated coconuts, other fruits, nuts, and bananas, including plantains, fresh or dried.

DTI Holds First Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Seminar in Latin America

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Mexico City, together with the Philippine Embassy in Mexico, has conducted the first Trabaho, Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK) Seminar in Latin America on December 9, 2018 at Mexico City’s Galeria Plaza Reforma Hotel.

The TNK Seminar is an initiative of the DTI, in partnership with the private sector, the academe, civil society organizations, and other government agencies. The department aims to generate jobs and promote entrepreneurship among overseas Filipinos by providing them with information, contacts, and other necessary resources through the seminar.

Consul Ma. Carmela Teresa A. Cabreira opened the program and welcomed the participants in the seminar. It was followed by a presentation of TNK and DTI entrepreneurship and innovation programme by Commercial Counselor Vichael Angelo D. Roaring.

Thirty-seven members of the Filipino community in Mexico joined the seminar, in which an insightful exchange of experience took place. Carlo Malana, member of the Filipino community and senior executive of AT&T, gave attendees a motivational talk on financial literacy.

The participants also expressed interest in becoming overseas Filipino investors or OFIs. Some of them want to join the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3), the micro-finance program for small and micro-
enterprises of the DTI.