The Philippines is set to significantly elevate its profile in the regional trade landscape after being officially designated as the Country of Honor for the upcoming China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026.
Preparations swung into high gear following the successful staging of the CAEXPO 2026 Roadshow, held on the sidelines of IFEX Philippines 2026. The roadshow brought together government agencies, business organizations, exporters, and key industry stakeholders to explore lucrative pathways in trade, investment, tourism, and regional cooperation.
A major highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Province of Cebu. Represented by CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, the agreement formally recognizes Cebu as the Philippines’ “Province of Charm” for CAEXPO 2026, placing the island province’s rich heritage, tourism, and top-tier export industries in the international spotlight.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino “Perry” Rodolfo strongly urged local enterprises to seize this momentum. He encouraged Philippine businesses and exporters to aggressively maximize their presence at CAEXPO 2026 through the dedicated National Pavilion, Commodity Pavilion, and targeted business-matching and networking activities.
Demonstrating the high-level bilateral significance of the event, a prominent CAEXPO Secretariat delegation traveled to Manila to lead the roadshow. The delegation was headed by Deputy Secretary General Cheng Gong, alongside Liaison Division Director Huang Xin, Convention Management Division Director Huang Weimin, and Liaison Officers Huang Xinyu and Li Yufei. Minister Counselor Yang Guoliang of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines also attended to express strong diplomatic and economic support for the partnership.
As the Country of Honor, the Philippines is uniquely positioned at CAEXPO 2026 to showcase its premium export capabilities, strengthen strategic trade ties within the ASEAN-China free trade area, and attract substantial foreign direct investments.
