Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotion arm of the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), tasked with showcasing Filipino excellence through global trade shows, export development platforms, and digital marketplaces. Established in 1983 and headquartered in Pasay City, CITEM serves as the premier agency for international trade event management and export marketing support, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across key industries.

Mandate and Strategic Objectives

CITEM's mandate is to:

• Promote Philippine exports through international and local trade events
• Assist exporters in reaching global markets
• Enhance international visibility for Filipino products and services
• Foster industry development and sustainability through innovation and design

The agency aligns its efforts with DTI’s broader goals of industrial development, inclusive growth, and increased global competitiveness of Philippine exports.

Flagship Events and Platforms

CITEM manages several high-impact trade events that are pillars of the country’s export strategy:

• IFEX Philippines: The country’s largest international trade show for food and food-related products. It features thousands of food exporters and has hosted buyers from over 50 countries.
• Manila FAME: A globally renowned design and lifestyle show showcasing furniture, fashion, and home décor. It has helped over 6,000 Filipino designers and manufacturers gain international exposure.
• CREATEPhilippines: A platform promoting the Philippine creative economy, including animation, gaming, film, and design services.
• Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX): A new initiative connecting green enterprises and sustainable solution providers with global markets.

In addition, CITEM has launched IFEXConnect.com, a 24/7 digital sourcing platform that allows international buyers to discover, engage, and connect with Philippine food exporters year-round.

Exporter Support Services

CITEM provides a full suite of services to support exporters’ global success:

• International Trade Fairs and Expositions: Subsidized and curated participation in global trade events
• Buyer-Seller Matching: Targeted B2B programs for verified overseas buyers
• Exhibitor Development: Product curation, design consultancy, and branding assistance
• Digital Promotion: Features in online catalogues and e-commerce-ready platforms

These services are designed to support over 3,000 MSMEs annually across the food, lifestyle, creative, and green sectors.

Impact and Reach

CITEM's initiatives have made significant contributions to the growth of Philippine exports:

• Facilitated over PHP 1.5 billion in sales leads through trade events annually
• Hosted buyers and exhibitors from 60+ countries
• Expanded reach through digital events to tens of thousands of virtual attendees post-pandemic
• Served exporters in more than 40 provinces, fostering rural enterprise development

CITEM has also received recognition for pivoting successfully to digital platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity for Philippine exporters.

Collaborations and Partnerships

CITEM collaborates with:

• Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC)
• Export Marketing Bureau (EMB)
• Department of Agriculture (DA)
• Department of Tourism (DOT)
• Development partners such as JICA, USAID, and EU-GIZ

These partnerships expand the reach and effectiveness of Philippine trade promotion efforts and integrate best practices in sustainable and inclusive export development.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, CITEM is focused on:

• Expanding the IFEXConnect.com platform into a full-service digital export concierge
• Scaling up regional promotion and onboarding of provincial MSMEs
• Integrating sustainability and circular economy principles across all events
• Strengthening the Philippines' position as a source of design-forward, sustainable, and high-value exports

With its institutional expertise and strategic direction, CITEM remains a central driver of the Philippines’ global trade narrative and a catalyst for empowering Filipino exporters.