Programmed for business and growth, the Philippines positions itself as a capable investment hub for technological agility, resilient supply chain, and green economy
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), officially brings the Philippines to the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Guangxi, China. Happening from 17 to 21 September 2026, the country’s delegation is set to prove the theme, “The Philippines is Programmed for Business and Growth.”
Serving as the designated “Country of Honor” for the second time since 2013, the Philippines presents its largest commercial participation in CAEXPO history. Anchored by a 313-strong national delegation—including 73 high-value export enterprises in the Commodity Pavilion and a strategic National Pavilion featuring Cebu Province as the official “Province of Charm”—the country presents a multi-sectoral showcase under the national banner PARTNERPhilippines.
“CITEM did not build this milestone alone; it was forged by the ambition and product innovation of our 73-strong exhibitors, backed by a whole-of-government ecosystem,” according to CITEM. “Every deal closed and every partnership forged on this floor directly feeds into the country’s overall economic growth, elevating the Philippine export nation on the global stage.”
The Philippine presence is anchored by two distinct showcases:
National Pavilion: Serves as the macro-strategic platform where policy, institutional capability, regional development, and investment opportunities converge. Central to the National Pavilion is Cebu Province, CAEXPO’s official Province of Charm. Posting consecutive 7.3% annual economic growth, Cebu highlights its world-class air and maritime logistics infrastructure—led by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and strategic deepwater ports—positioning the region as a high-yield destination for investment, industrial manufacturing, and creative industries.
Commodity Pavilion: Acts as the commercial hub translating high-level policy into concrete trade transactions. The 73 exhibitors represent CITEM’s flagship export banners—FOODPhilippines, FASHIONPhilippines, DESIGNPhilippines, CREATEPhilippines, and PARTNERPhilippines. Participating enterprises cover agrifood, lifestyle, home and fashion, personal care, and allied services, including tourism, banking, and pharmaceuticals.
Beyond product sourcing, the twin pavilions offer international delegates a complete narrative of the Philippines as a premier sourcing hub and world-class travel destination, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tropical agriculture.
Driven by the strategic regional integration enabled by the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA 3.0) Upgrade Protocol and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) gain direct pathways into digital commerce, green technology, and integrated supply chains across a 15-nation economic network representing nearly 30% of global GDP.
CITEM’s organization of this year’s participation is in partnership with the key public and private entities: Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB PHL), Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), Liwayway Marketing Corporation, and Metropolitan Bank (China) Ltd.
CITEM will next travel to France to bring a FOODPhilippines delegation to SIAL Paris 2026 happening on October 17-21, and will then return to China for its next food trade fair participation in the China International Import Expo that will run from November 5-10, 2026 in Shanghai.
Visit citem.gov.ph to learn more about CITEM’s participation in CAEXPO 2026, and ifexconnect.com for other organized overseas trade fair participation in the food sector.
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PARTNERPhilippines is the CITEM brand that reinforces the role of the Philippines as a reliable business and investment destination, showcasing the country’s comparative advantages, such as cost competitiveness, talent quality, and sectoral diversity, to attract foreign companies, trade partners, and investors to collaborate with Philippine enterprises.
About CITEM
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM advances the country’s image as a premier sourcing destination for quality export products and services.
CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export promotion in partnership with other government and private entities.
