BANGKOK, Thailand—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) scaled up its delegation to ProPak Asia 2026, bringing a record of 300 Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to Asia’s largest processing and packaging trade exhibition from 227 delegates last year.
The expanded participation reflects a rising demand among local enterprises for advanced technologies to counter surging production costs, bridge efficiency gaps, and meet evolving market standards. By attending, Filipino MSMEs gained direct access to machinery and solutions designed to lower operational costs, enhance product quality, and boost competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
Held from June 10 to 13 at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Center, ProPak Asia gathered thousands of manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and industry experts from the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and consumer goods sectors. The event showcased cutting-edge advancements in food processing, packaging, automation, smart manufacturing, cold chain systems, sustainability, and digital technologies.
Leading the Philippine delegation are DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut, Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Bangkok Commercial Counsellor Maria Emmanuelle Burgos, and various DTI regional delegates.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the delegation engaged in benchmarking activities to learn from Thailand’s experience in innovation, sustainability, and enterprise development. DTI delegates met with Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA) to explore collaborative programs that support MSMEs and startups through innovation financing, entrepreneurship development, and global market linkages.
The delegates also visited Siam Cement Group Packaging Public Company Limited (SCGP) in Ratchaburi, gaining firsthand insights into circular economy practices and sustainable manufacturing. The site visit underscored how businesses can generate value through resource-efficient production, active recycling initiatives, and eco-friendly packaging solutions that protect local communities and the environment.
Additionally, the delegation toured creative enterprise hubs ATT 19 and Warehouse 30 to study how heritage and industrial spaces can be successfully repurposed into centers for entrepreneurship, tourism, and local economic growth.
According to DTI, this expanded mission aligns with the agency’s ongoing commitment to helping MSMEs move up the value chain by exposing them to global technologies, innovative business models.
Ultimately, the initiative supports DTI’s broader vision of building a resilient MSME sector capable of creating higher-value products, generating sustainable jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth.
