The Philippines capped another successful and fruitful participation in the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE), as over 6,000 visitors flocked to this year’s FoodPhilippines Pavilion, and a number of high-value deals were signed.
Located at the Food and Agricultural Products Hall of the sprawling National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Qingpu District, the 108-sqm. Pavilion was formally inaugurated on 06 November 2021.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez keynoted the ceremonies and delivered felicitations by video. Doing the ribbon-cutting honors were Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, Philippine Consul General in Shanghai Josel F. Ignacio, Chinese Ministry of Commerce (Asia Division) Deputy Director General Luo, Xiaomei and Liwayway (China) Co. Ltd. President and CEO Larry Chan. Attendees were treated to a Kappa Malong Malong dance performance by the Pinoy Teachers Association in Shanghai.
Open for the duration of the CIIE (05-10 November), the FoodPhilippines Pavilion showcased fresh produce, food products, and services under the “healthy and fresh” banner from 40 food manufacturers and specialty companies exhibiting both onsite and online.
The Philippine Pavilion was the stage for other Philippine activities at the CIIE as well. A number of purchase agreements valued at close to USD 150 million were signed at the Pavilion on its inauguration day. The Pavilion featured food sampling, cooking demonstrations utilizing featured produce and ingredients.
FoodPhilippines has been the Philippines’ collective food export brand for the CIIE. It showcases the rich and diverse heritage of the Philippine food landscape through the select group of exhibitor-companies from the country’s food manufacturing and related services sector. This group includes micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in keeping with the Philippine government’s push to advance this sector as an integral component of its export industries.
For the first time at the CIIE, the Philippine Pavilion stood alongside that of a major Philippine corporate player in China, Liwayway China Co. Ltd.. The company’s Oishi line of snacks has been officially recognized as a “Shanghai Famous Brand” and, later, a “China Famous Brand”, in 2001 and 2006, respectively.
Liwayway’s old-Manila-themed Pavilion featured both a Chinatown arch and Intramuros (Manila’s walled city) gate, both highlighting Philippine heritage and the country’s long-standing ties with China.
With both representing the Philippines, the two Pavilions maximized synergies made possible by their adjacent locations to boost cross- and through tie-ups and joint promotional activities that included games and prize raffles.
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For more information, visit http://shanghaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/.
