Philippine companies have sold a total of 124 million U.S. dollars worth of products at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the Philippine trade department said on Monday.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said total Philippine sales included 108 million U.S. dollars of signed orders for various agricultural products such as bananas, avocados and oranges.
It also included 16 million U.S. dollars of direct sales from exhibitors during the expo held on Nov. 5-10, the DTI said.
"This is a big win for Philippine companies, especially those in the agriculture industry, as we push for greater promotion of our fresh fruits category in China's huge market," Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement.
He added the "figures exceeded our target sales for this participation, which was 50 million U.S. dollars."
DTI brought 57 exhibitors to the event where they occupied a 500-square-meter space at the biggest import expo in China.
The exhibitors featured top-notch Philippine products and services including snacks, alcoholic beverages, coconut, mango, nuts, chocolates, and coffee; cosmetics, baby care; electronic, automotive products; culinary tour packages; franchising and education services.
"DTI is looking forward to bringing a bigger delegation to next year's CIIE," Lopez said, adding that DTI is eyeing 100 booths for next year and to double its sales compared to this year.
"A wider variety of Philippine fresh fruits is targeted next year," Lopez said.
China hosted the expo to give foreign companies a platform to showcase their local products, part of China's policy to open wider its market.
The six-day event was the world's first import-themed national-level expo.
