NANNING, China -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 and the City Government of Tuguegarao showcased Cagayan Valley's products and services in the 20th China-ASEAN Expo 2023 held in Nanning, Guangxi, China on September 16-19, 2023.

In the commodity pavilion installed for the Philippines, five local products were displayed namely; the Chichamatis or tomato chips of Lighthouse Cooperative from Tuguegarao City, the Sakarat bags of  Santa Praxedes Weavers Association from Santa Praxedes, Cagayan, the Banana chips of One Asia Trader from Nueva Vizcaya, the shrimp products of Dataj Aquafarm from Cagayan and a travel and tour service agency from Tuguegarao City.

Provincial Director Henry Conel Jr. of DTI-Cagayan said there are 15 exhibitors from all over the Philippines who participated the CAExpo 2023. 

He said they tried to invite more exhibitors to participate in this year's product exhibition but some failed to meet the tedious documentary requirements and customs standards for the shipment of the products. 

"With this experience, we will be preparing in advance our potential exhibitors for them to be able to participate next year, especially the needed documentary permits and certifications," Conel said. 

He said there are plenty of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise products in the region that can be showcased in international exhibitions, however, some are still on the process of securing their documentary requirements.

During the opening, Mayor Maila Ting-Que of Tuguegarao City urged visitors to visit the Philippine commodity pavilion and support the Philippine entrepreneurs, especially the local products and services of Tuguegarao City. 

"With this, we expect more visitors to come to Tuguegarao City to invest and also to experience our warm hospitility," the Mayor said. 

Tuguegarao City is featured as the 'City of Charm' in the CAExpo 2023. 

On the other hand, the Tuguegarao City Pavvurulun Cultural Performers wowed the crowd in their cultural song and dance performance during the opening of the commodity pavilion. 

The performance drew crowd that contributed much to the sales of the invited Philippine exhibitors. 

One of the best sellers among the products is the Sarakat bags featuring its unique design that captures the interest of the Chinese communities as well as visitors from other nations. (OTB/PIA Region 2)