THE PHILIPPINES obtained about P1.6 billion worth of food sales and firm purchase agreements during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said.
“The amount was a combination of reported sales, purchase agreements or memoranda of understanding, and business matching results following the six-day import-oriented trade show,” CITEM said in a statement on Tuesday.
It added that the Philippine delegation included 16 food exhibitors during the China based expo, this was also in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
It said that small and medium enterprises in the delegation highlighted products featuring the Philippine durian variety known as Puyat.
“Together with our valued partners from various government agencies and the private sector, CITEM is thrilled with the success of our seventh participation in CIIE. The country’s participation is expected to create jobs, providing bigger opportunities for local agricultural communities across the Philippines,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said.
CITEM said that a memorandum of understanding was signed by Lionheart Farms Corp. and a Jiangsu-based company valued at $415,000, while Treelife Coco Sugar obtained more than $400,000 from a Shanghai e-commerce firm.
Dole Philippines, Inc. and Good Farmer acquired purchase agreements for fresh fruit, while SQ Fresh Fruits signed an agreement with Shishi Songhe International Trade Co. Ltd. to export durian.
“Durian is our next high-potential export revenue fruit. It was very evident from the expo goers’ overwhelming reception of our Puyat durian during our taste testing sessions that generated a lot of interest and inquiries,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Philip C. Young said.
A coconut oil trading agreement was also reached by New Asia Oil, Inc. and Namchow Food Group during the event, though no details were provided.
CITEM said Liwayway International Co. Ltd. is also set to explore potential collaboration with Chinese firms on supply wchain optimization and channel expansion. — Adrian H. Halili
