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BRIEF HISTORY
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the outcome of the merging of two Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) agencies:
- Philippine Trade Exhibition Center (PTEC), founded 1984, is an institution for holding trade exhibitions and promotions of local products and the implementation of projects directed towards upgrading quality products, coordinating indigenous material sourcing, and developing markets for and assisting local manufacturers.
- Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, Inc. (CITEM, Inc.), established in 1983, is a corporation under the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), an organization that deals with outsourcing, export and import, logistics, and marketing for a wide range of commodities, products and services in the country. CITEM, Inc. is also registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
On 27 February 1987 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was reorganized, along with its attached agencies, resulting in the merging of the two aforementioned organizations, the latter becoming the surviving entity and renamed the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.
CITEM AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXPORTS
CITEM’s core function is the promotion of Philippine products and services in the world market. This includes export expansion and branding the Philippines as an exporting nation. The aim is to promote the country as a reliable source products and services with quality that meets global standards. CITEM works closely with other DTI agencies in the performance of its mandate.
To specify, CITEM partakes in the following tasks to promote the country and its commodities:
- Careful selection of international trade fairs and missions
- Sustained presence in traditional markets while opening up new markets
- Regular provision of market updates and merchandise design trends
- Sourcing and coordination of technical and merchandise consultancies
- Development and promotion of new export industries
- Organization of incoming trade missions timed with exhibitions
- Participation in overseas special exhibitions
ORGANIZATION
CITEM anchors its programs on the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), a blueprint for the country’s export sector and designed to achieve the sustainable growth of the export sector and provide opportunities for job creation. As DTI’s export promotions agency, CITEM’s thrust is to promote the country’s key export sectors, chosen for the inherent and proven competitiveness in the international market. These are:
- Agribusiness products (including food, coconut, and other resource-based products);
- Minerals;
- Garments and textiles;
- Home-style products (furniture, furnishings, and décor);
- Wearables (fashion accessories, shoes, bags, and jewelry).
CITEM also promotes selected revenue streams from the following sectors:
- IT-BPO and other services;
- Electronics;
- Shipbuilding ;
- Motor vehicle parts.
MANDATE
To market and promote the Philippines as a reliable source of quality export products and services in the global market through trade fairs and missions and other export promotion programs.
VISION
- The Philippines is Asia’s design trendsetter in export products and services, setting the highest standards of creativity, excellence, and innovation.
- A distinct Philippine brand is widely accepted and recognized in the global export market signifying: quality, value, and reliability.
- A “Philippines first” mindset among global buyers: The Philippines is acknowledged as the leading source destination for quality export products and services in Asia.
MISSION
To adopt a total, integrated approach to export promotions from merchandise development, market-readiness coaching programs, creative clustering, brand-building, trend-setting, participation in trade fairs, to organization of selling and buying missions.
TRADE EVENTS
CITEM spearheads signature events that serve as platforms to promote key export sectors:
Manila FAME
Manila FAME is a pivotal platform for design-driven industries to showcase Filipino creativity and highlight new products and design. It also taps into the country’s creative industry by encouraging young designers and artists to showcase their talents and creations at the trade show.
The trade show features some of the local industry’s best in:
- Furniture and furnishings (home accessories, accents, and art pieces)
- Holiday and gifts (holiday decorations, stationery, toys and games, and personal grooming and spa supplies)
- Fashion (costume and fine jewelry, fashion enhancers, footwear and leather goods)
IFEX Philippines: Asia's Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show
IFEX Philippines provides a venue for local food organizations to address new markets, promote and launch products, and also allow exhibitors and buyers alike to be part of business opportunities worldwide. Since its inception in 2003, the event has continued to grow and increase its exhibitor participation, buyer and visitor attendance, and sales generation year after year.
