Arselyn B. Palad / TIDA, EMB Halal Section, Business Mirror
The first-ever online business-to-business (B2B) meetings with foreign buyers of halal products yielded initial export sales (estimated combined actual and under negotiation sales) amounting to $227,130.76 (approximately P11 million) to be realized in six months to one year.
The B2B event was held on November 24, 2020 via Zoom during the 3rd Philippine National Halal Conference. More than 30 business meetings transpired during the four-hour online B2B event.
The Philippine National Halal Conference’s business-matching sessions were organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), through its Halal Section, in coordination with the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) in Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, and Jeddah.
The conference sought to promote Philippine halal products and services to the global market, maximize the potentials and opportunities in halal trade, and expand linkages with local and international networks in the halal communities.
“We have been assisting current potential and halal exporters to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness as suppliers of quality goods and services to the international markets. The B2B landscape is changing fast and there are endless opportunities for companies to increase revenue and acquire new customers,” said DTI Undersecretary for Trade Promotions Abdulgani Macatoman.
A total of 10 Philippine halal food exporters participated in this online business-matching activity, namely, Alter Trade Philippines Inc., Asistio Martinez & Co. Inc. (La Luisa Biscuits), Cattleya & Rose Gourmet Foods Trading, Chocovron Global Corp., Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative, Glorious Industrial & Development Corp., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., Magic Melt Foods Inc., Marigold Manufacturing Corp. (Mama Sita), and Yang Yang Food Products.
On the other hand, 11 foreign buyers (wholesalers, distributors, retailers, food service suppliers, and e-commerce) from Malaysia and the Middle East took part in the event.
