A 30-man delegation organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Korea and the ASEAN Korea Center is set to participate in the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX Philippines) on May 16-19, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines. Representatives of leading Korean food importers, distributors and retailers and manufacturers of food packaging materials and equipment comprise the PTIC Korea delegation to the IFEX Philippines 2013. Essentially, the delegation will form part of a buying mission while a small contingent will make up a pool of experts expected to make presentations on food processing and packaging technology during the IFEX Philippines Forum.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Commercial Attaché to Korea Nicanor S. Bautista, is holding talks with the ASEAN Center to ensure the attendance in IFEX of Korea’s major private label partners.
“Food is one of our country’s major exports to Korea, and a sector that shows a lot of growth potential. A major food importing country, Korea is expected to not only increase its importation, but also to vigorously explore locking in food supplies, via investments overseas. The Philippines, Korea's nearest ASEAN country, with over 150,000 permanent Korean residents, is progressively being seen as a viable and sustainable source of food resources, and a competitive production hub that could serve not only Korea's requirements, but also that of the ASEAN region. Korea's interest, therefore, in building a foothold in the food industry in the Philippines, supports not only a forward-looking food import policy, but also an aggressive food export policy into the ASEAN bloc,” Bautista added.

The PTIC represents the DTI in South Korea. Its principal tasks are to promote Philippine export products and services in Korea, secure Korean investments to the Philippines and encourage Korean retirees to make the Philippines their second home.

IFEX Philippines is the premier international sourcing hub for the finest ethnic Asian food, ingredients and raw materials. Since 2004, the show has provided food and beverage companies the key venue to promote their products globally and establish and strengthen links with international buyers, importers, and retailers.

The now biennial event is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the DTI in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), which helps the country’s small and medium enterprises find a market for their farm produce.

For more information about the event, contact Marlon Galang at (+632) 831.1282/ (+632) 831.2201 local 238 or email him at mgalang@citem.com.ph. You may also visit www.ifexphilippines.com or contact the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in your country. Follow this url to access the e-flyer on IFEX Philippines 2013 - http://www.citem.gov.ph/ecampaign/ecard/agri/ifex2013_wave11_sp/ .

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