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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider PH exports to Gulf states seen hitting more than $700 M

PH exports to Gulf states seen hitting more than $700 M

Published Feb 25, 2023 05:29 pm

CITEM Executive Director Dr. Edward L. Fereira (center) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Philippine pavilion at Gulfood. From left to right: DTI Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda; Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver (Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to the UAE); Charge d'Affaires Christopher Castillo of Philippine Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq; CITEM Exec. Director Dr. Edward L. Fereira; Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo (Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to Iran); and Consul General Renato Duenas Jr. (Philippine Consul General in Dubai).

The Philippines has the potential to increase its exports in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to more than $729.69 million, according to a recent study.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) said that according to the assessment by the Export Potential Assessment undertaken, the Philippines can increase its exports to a total of $729.69 million of which $121.02 million are food and agri-based products.

This developed as the Philippines participated in the Gulfood 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibitions, Gulfood offers opportunities for Philippine companies to establish and strengthen their presence in the MEA region. The GCC states remain an attractive market for Philippine produce and goods, particularly halal products.

The Philippine participation in Gulfood led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) on Feb. 20 was complemented by the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Dubai.

DTI Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda and CITEM Executive Director Dr. Edward L. Fereira, Ph.D., led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the Philippine pavilion at Gulfood. They were joined by Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver (Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to the UAE), Charge d'Affaires Christopher Castillo of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo (Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to Iran), and Consul General Renato Duenas Jr. (Philippine Consul General in Dubai).

“We encourage both our buyers, partners, and our exporters to establish partnership in pursuing market opportunities here in Dubai and even beyond. As we promote increased bilateral business with GCC, be assured that the Philippine government through DTI, the PTIC-Dubai as well as the Office of the Agricultural Attaché and the Embassy, will actively engage governments, authorities, and private sector in facilitating more business,” said Assistant Secretary Peñaranda.

Under the country’s collective food promotion program, FOODPhilippines, the participation in Gulfood aims to increase exports of Philippine food products in the Middle East and Africa region (MEA), particularly in the GCC states. The Philippine pavilion highlights the country’s top food exports, including halal-certified, high-value, and innovative products by 18 Philippine companies. The exhibit features fresh and processed fruits and vegetables; processed marine products; ethnic and gourmet products; non-alcoholic beverages; confectionaries, biscuits, and pastries; and other food and beverage categories.

To complement the Philippine participation in Gulfood, EMB conducts business-to-business matching activity for 26 Philippine exporters of halal-certified food, personal care, and cosmetic products, including companies that are not part of the country delegation in Gulfood.

“Our participation in international trade shows like Gulfood plays a vital role in the promotion of premium-quality Philippine food products and ingredients on the global stage. And with the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food, it is also important that we position the country as a viable sourcing destination and increase our share of this market,” said Fereira.

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