The government-led trade mission to the Middle East in February, aimed at expanding market opportunities and strengthening business partnerships for Philippine agricultural and fisheries exports, has generated $27.28 million (over ₱1.5 billion) in sales.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), the trade mission ran from Feb. 7 to 21.
It featured 26 Philippine exporters who directly engaged with buyers, distributors, and industry leaders across the region through store visits, supplier meetings, and business-matching sessions.
“The success we have seen in the business mission reflects the growing global recognition of the quality and competitiveness of Philippine agri-fishery and consumer products,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque in a statement.
Roque said linking exporters to businesses in the Middle East delivers a win-win scenario for both the local industry and products that are proudly Filipino.
“As we continue to forge stronger connections with key markets in this region, we are laying the groundwork for sustained growth and long-term success for our exporters that ensure our local export goods remain in high demand worldwide,” she added.
This Middle East trade mission marks the first major initiative between the DA and the DTI after signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on agriculture and fisheries export development and promotion last year.
Jordan, one of the countries visited, has expressed interest in sourcing additional marine products and tropical fruits from the Philippines.
The DTI said this opens avenues for growth in export markets that have not historically been major buyers of Philippine products.
Exports of agricultural and fisheries products are typically directed to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the United States (US), Japan, and China.
The trade mission also visited Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
HDR Foods Corp., manufacturer of Mother’s Best condiments, said its participation provided the company with “valuable insights” into its UAE operations.
“Through the B2B [business-to-business] meetings, we were able to discuss our concerns with our distributor, including the marketing strategies we wanted to implement. HDR Foods is hopeful that, after the B2B activities, our products will have a greater presence across the UAE,” its Exports Sales Manager Aris Unson said.