SHANGHAI – The Philippines is well-positioned to be a major source of China’s food imports, according to the Philippines-China Food Cooperation and Business Forum held on 7 November 2022, on the sidelines of the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s largest import-themed exhibition.

Organized by the Bank of China (BOC), the Forum gave attendees an overview of the overall healthy state and exciting prospects of trade in food products and agricultural goods between the Philippines and China.

Mr. Cao Derong, President of the China Chamber of Commerce of Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA), identified fruits and related preparations; vegetable oils; and aquatic and marine products as China’s chief food imports from the Philippines.

CFNA data showed that last year, China imported 847,000 tons (+4.5% y.o.y.) worth USD 490M (+8.3%) from the Philippines. Pineapple imports hit 184,000 tons (+15.6%) worth USD 130M (+20.1%), while coconut oil imports reached 44,000 tons (+0.1%) worth USD 77M (+77.3%)

“The Philippines is as much occupied with value and quality as we are with volume”, said Philippine Consul General Josel F. Ignacio in keynote remarks. “China is now a moderately prosperous society. Philippine food enterprises are just as focused on matching the constant upgrade in consumer tastes and trends in China”.

Mr. Larry A. Chan, President of Liwayway China Company Ltd. of Shanghaojia (Oishi) fame, delivered remarks on the Philippine snack company’s growth and plans.

Validating the rosy prospects emerging from the Forum, attendees witnessed the ceremonial presentation of a number of purchase agreements sealed at the Expo between Chinese buyers and Philippine CIIE exhibitors, as well as of cooperation Agreements between the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau and the CFNA and SFA on the Chinese side..

Also gracing the event were Mr. NING Feng, President of the National Convention and Exhibition Center and representative of the CIIE Bureau; Mr. GAO Kemin, Vice President of the Shanghai Food Association; and Ms. LIU Yan, Deputy GM of BOC-Shanghai.

With Consul General Ignacio in the Philippine team were Agricultural Counsellor Ana GM B. Abejuela, Commercial Counsellor Emmanuel N. Ang, Commercial Vice Consul Mario C. Tani, CITEM Business Representative Raymond Tan, and DTI-Export Marketing Bureau Senior Specialist Heizle U. Trasmañas. END