Phl boosts coconut Gulf exports

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Dubai has launched Project CocoBridge, a program aimed at expanding the presence of Philippine coconut products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market through stronger distribution networks and buyer partnerships.

The initiative forms part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the national program for the coconut sector led by the Philippine Coconut Authority and funded through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund.

Following a competitive tender process, PTIC-Dubai appointed The Hub Trading and Logistic Services LLC SP, a trading and distribution company under the Sharjah Cooperative Society, to implement the project.

The agreement was signed at the PTIC-Dubai office by Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo D. Roaring, head of PTIC-Dubai, and Aurelio III Suzara German, managing director of The Hub Trading. Witnesses included Philippine Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, Philippine Agriculture Attaché for the Middle East, Africa and India Michael R. Sollera, and Vice Consul for Economic, Cultural and Public Diplomacy Jim Jimeno.

Roaring said participating Philippine exporters are already capable of supplying the Middle Eastern market, but require stronger market access.

"What our exporters have needed is a clear path to the shelf," Roaring said. "We will judge this program by the listings it secures and by the buyer relationships that continue after it ends."

German said The Hub Trading will assist participating companies in meeting the requirements of retailers across the GCC.

"We know what a product needs to earn its place on a shelf here and to keep it," German said. "Our job is to share that with Philippine companies and open the doors that follow."

Enciso said the initiative is expected to create stronger demand for coconut products produced in the Philippines.

"Every Philippine product that stays on a shelf here means demand for our coconut-growing provinces and the families who depend on them," Enciso said. "That is what this partnership is working towards."

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Dubai has launched Project CocoBridge, a program aimed at expanding the presence of Philippine coconut products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market through stronger distribution networks and buyer partnerships.

The initiative forms part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the national program for the coconut sector led by the Philippine Coconut Authority and funded through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund.

Following a competitive tender process, PTIC-Dubai appointed The Hub Trading and Logistic Services LLC SP, a trading and distribution company under the Sharjah Cooperative Society, to implement the project.

The agreement was signed at the PTIC-Dubai office by Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo D. Roaring, head of PTIC-Dubai, and Aurelio III Suzara German, managing director of The Hub Trading. Witnesses included Philippine Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, Philippine Agriculture Attaché for the Middle East, Africa and India Michael R. Sollera, and Vice Consul for Economic, Cultural and Public Diplomacy Jim Jimeno.

Roaring said participating Philippine exporters are already capable of supplying the Middle Eastern market, but require stronger market access.

"What our exporters have needed is a clear path to the shelf," Roaring said. "We will judge this program by the listings it secures and by the buyer relationships that continue after it ends."

German said The Hub Trading will assist participating companies in meeting the requirements of retailers across the GCC.

"We know what a product needs to earn its place on a shelf here and to keep it," German said. "Our job is to share that with Philippine companies and open the doors that follow."

Enciso said the initiative is expected to create stronger demand for coconut products produced in the Philippines.

"Every Philippine product that stays on a shelf here means demand for our coconut-growing provinces and the families who depend on them," Enciso said. "That is what this partnership is working towards."