Philippines takes center stage as 'Country of Honor' to propel SME growth and strategic investments at CAEXPO 2026
Driving Global Trade Expansion
The Philippines has emerged as China and ASEAN’s value-enhancing trade partner. As Country of Honor at the China-ASEAN Expo 2026, the Philippines will look to capitalize on its privileges, gathering export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to pursue business growth on the global platform.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippines’ export promotion authority, organized the delegation to the expo, which will run in Nanning, China from September 17 to 21, 2026.
Showcasing World-Class Filipino Sectors
Showcasing an exceptional capacity to host global investments and a dynamic ability to innovate, the country will promote its world-class goods and services under PARTNERPhilippines. This CITEM-led industry banner program highlights its competencies as a premier trade partner. The upcoming participation will carry the theme 'Programmed for Business and Growth'—underscoring Filipino enterprises’ technological agility and distinct, growth-driving capabilities.
The delegation will present dynamic enterprises across a diverse mix of competitive industries:
Home/housewares
Fashion and wearable gifts
Food and beverage
Handicrafts
Personal care products
Agricultural products
Banking, tourism, and other services
Capitalizing on Free Trade Advantages
CAEXPO is an international trade, investment, and tourism event jointly confirmed by the leaders of China and ASEAN. The event aims to promote the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) by facilitating cooperation among China and the ASEAN countries.
Under CAFTA, tariffs on 90% of goods traded with China will be eliminated for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. The Free Trade Agreement covers trade in goods, services, and investment, with provisions for:
- Trade facilitation and technology transfer
- Human resources development
- Telecommunications and transport
- Tourism and sub-regional development projects
Prime Exposure as 'Country of Honor'
On its second participation as CAEXPO’s Country of Honor, the Philippines will receive greater exposure and lead various events in the show.
Cebu: The 2026 'Province of Charm'
For the 23rd edition of CAEXPO, the Province of Cebu is named the Philippines’ Province of Charm, which will be featured on the platform’s National Pavilion. A premier economic gateway, Cebu leverages its strategic infrastructure and robust manufacturing sector to drive high-value trade within the ASEAN region. Its participation in this year’s CAEXPO underscores the province's capacity for industrial expansion and role as a global investment hub.
Dedicated Pavilions for Trade and Synergies
The Philippine presence will be strategically divided into specialized spaces to maximize trade and network potential:
The National Pavilion
Features Philippine Investment and Tourism showcases in partnership with the Board of Investments (BOI).
The Commodity Hall
Jointly organized by CITEM and the Department of Trade and Industry-Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG), this space will spotlight groups from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and the Department of Agriculture.
Pitching High-Value Investment Horizons
The Philippine Investment Forum will be led by the BOI and will highlight lucrative investment opportunities in the country's most rapidly expanding sectors:
Tourism, Renewable Energy, and Electric Vehicles
Green Metals and High-Tech Manufacturing
Pharma, Healthcare, Digital Infrastructure, and Data Centers
A Unified Institutional Coalition
The DTI-led Working Committee supporting the Philippine participation in CAEXPO is composed of a collaborative team built for export success:
Connect with Us
To learn more about CAEXPO 2026, send an email to
caexpo2026@citem.com.ph