FoodPhilippines, the Philippine delegation comprised of 16 local exporters, is set to showcase the rich local food heritage at this year’s FOODEX Japan to be held on 5 to 8 March at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

According to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), FoodPhilippines will be presenting tropical food selections “while fortifying the Philippines’ growing bilateral trading relationship with Japan.” CITEM serves as the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Among the export products the food and beverage manufacturers will be showcasing are fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables, coconut virgin oil, biscuits, skipjack, banana chips, jellies and drinks.

On its 44th year, the International Food and Beverage Exhibition, known as FOODEX Japan is attended by exhibitors from 90 countries and around 85,000 visitors.

Known as the “largest food and beverage exhibition in the Asian region,” CITEM said the country’s participation would also boost export and promote it as a sourcing destination as buyers from regions like Europe, America, Africa and Australia will be present in the four-day event.

Japan is the largest export destination for fresh foods and the second largest market for processed food next to the United States, CITEM added.

The Philippine export value to Japan amounted to $684.75 million in December 2018, latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority state.

The figure is 14.5 percent of the total exports during the month, making Japan the second top export country for the Philippines after the United States.

On the other hand, Japan is also the country’s second top import partner country with a value of $826.05, sharing 9.7 percent of the total imports value last December.

The Philippines is currently under bilateral free trade agreement with Japan through the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.

Under the partnership, tariffs were removed for certain fruits, vehicles, steel products, electronic appliances and garments.