Pinoy SME products shine in Seoul with DTI showroom launch

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque recently unveiled the DTI SME Showroom in Seoul, South Korea, a flagship initiative under the Malikhaing Pinoy program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aimed at championing Filipino creativity and innovation on the global stage.

Launched on 14 May at the PDOT Showroom in the President Hotel, the showroom provides a critical platform for Philippine small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase export-ready products and foster international partnerships.

“This launch is a concrete step towards bringing Filipino products and small and medium enterprises closer to the global market. It is a message to the world that the Philippines is ready, our enterprises are capable, and our products deserve a place on the global stage,” said Secretary Roque.

According to the DTI, more SME showrooms will be launched in countries where Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) are located, further expanding international exposure for Filipino businesses.

“By providing this physical presence overseas, we break through geographical barriers for our SMEs and build the trust that international buyers seek. We are making it easier for the world to do business with the Philippines — one city, one showroom, one export deal at a time,” Roque added.

The Seoul showroom features a rotating selection of high-quality products from across the Philippines, ranging from handmade crafts and textiles to innovative food items and beverages — all highlighting the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Filipino entrepreneurs.

Leading the launch were Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Commercial Counsellor Charmaine Mignon Yalong, and Tourism Attaché Erwin Balane, alongside Korean partners and business leaders. Roque extended thanks to the DTI-PTIC in Seoul, the Philippine Department of Tourism in Korea, and the Philippine Embassy for their support in making the showroom a reality.

“This synergistic collaboration is a true representation of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to more effectively and efficiently promote the Philippines as a business and tourist destination of choice,” Roque emphasized.

She concluded by inviting Korean business leaders and partners to visit the showroom and experience the excellence, reliability, and heart in every Filipino product.

The Seoul showroom follows the success of the DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC)'s maiden showroom in Tokyo, launched last year.