The growth in sales serves as proof of the country’s significance as a source of agricultural products.

Filipino exhibitors booked sales worth $300 million at the recently concluded 2nd China International Import Exposition in Shanghai. AFP

Philippine exporters booked $300 million in export sales during the recently concluded 2nd China International Import Exposition (CIIE), more than double the $124 million sales registered in last year’s expo.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday said sales were propped up by agricultural products bananas, pineapples, mangoes, durian, processed fruits and nuts as well as other coconut-based products.

The country sent a delegation composed of 139 representatives to 32 food exhibitions at this year’s CIIE, China’s biggest trade event and the world’s first import-themed national-level expo, the trade agency said. Last year, there were 57 exhibitors who represented the Philippines.

DTI secretary Ramon Lopez said the growth in sales serves as proof of the country’s significance as a source of agricultural products. Currently, the Philippines exports mangoes, bananas, papayas, pineapples and young coconuts to China.

“This motivates us to continue our efforts in getting more exhibitors to the CIIE, as well as improving trade relations and market access through the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Suppliers, on their part, should increase their production to answer the demand of the Chinese market,” Lopez said in a statement.

Other products exhibited under the Philippine Food Pavilion include premium tuna products by Century Pacific and other products by global brands San Miguel, Monde Nissin and Fisher Farms.

According to the DTI, it expects bigger participation at the next edition of the CIIE next year in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.

Earlier on, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman emeritus and previous delegation head Francis Chua was quoted as saying that its members were less optimistic in joining the 2019 CIIE due to issues encountered in last year’s trade event.

Delegation participants under the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. were reportedly unable to secure all the booths they had paid for due to the high demand for CIIE slots.

The 2019 CIIE was held in Shanghai on 5 to 10 November. It had a total exhibition area of 240,000 square meters and was attended by about 150,000 professional buyers in over 100 countries.