Philippines food firms not keen on joining China expo

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine food firms are not as keen to take part in China’s biggest trade event, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), due to issues encountered in last year’s participation.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chairman emeritus Francis Chua told reporters that he is finding it difficult to convince many of the members of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (Philfoodex) to join the CIIE this year.

He said the experience of taking part in the expo last year is affecting the appetite of food firms to join this year.

Last year, the Philippines requested 150 booths at the CIIE, but was unable to secure all booths due to strong interest from various countries to take part in the event.

Chua said Philippine firms had to share the booths even if they paid to get a booth each due to the limited space available.

A booth at the CIIE last year costs $2,000 each.

“We pay the money, but we don’t receive what we pay for. That’s why it was a big issue last year and you could not pinpoint who is at fault, whether it is us or them,” Chua said.

While the Philippine firms were told by the CIIE’s organizers they could not secure the slots because they did not make the request earlier, he said Philippine firms had made the request for the event as early as January last year.

“We would like to see what happens here, whether it is more friendly. If it is friendly, next year, we will be there full force,” he said.

The Philippines had 57 exhibitors which featured products and services including snacks, alcoholic beverages, coconut, mango, nuts, chocolates, coffee, cosmetics, baby care, electronic products, automotive products, culinary tour packages, as well as franchising and education services, at the CIIE last year.

Participation in the CIIE allowed the Philippine firms to rake in $124 million worth of sales.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said earlier, the Philippines would want to double last year’s $124 million worth of sales when it joins the CIIE again this year.

“If we can get 100 (booths) this year, we will double last year, hopefully,” he said.

Taking part in the CIIE is seen beneficial in terms of increasing Philippine exports of products and services, as well as encouraging more Chinese firms to invest and do business in the country.

This year’s CIIE is slated to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, in Shanghai.