A group of Filipino entrepreneurs has expressed optimism about local food products thriving in the Chinese market.

This was after the group attended the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China on Nov. 5-10.

In an interview with the China Media Group Serbisyo Filipino on Wednesday, the business group said the opportunity to join such an exhibition could change their lives and help improve the country’s economy.

Fisherfarms, Inc. chief executive officer Imelda Madarang said the Philippines has good-quality products that may still be unknown to the Chinese.

“Sa pamamagitan ng CIIE, umaasa kami na mapapalakas pa ang koneksyon at kooperasyon ng mga kompanyang Pilipino at Tsino, upang sa ganoon ay umangat ang buhay ng mga Pilipinong tagapagluwas, mangingisda, magsasaka, at ekonomiya ng bansa (Through the CIIE, we’re hoping that connection and cooperation between Filipino and Chinese companies would be strengthened, so that the lives of Filipino exporters, fisherfolk, farmers, and the country’s economy would advance),” she added.

Gacayan General Merchandise owner Rebeca Gacayan noted that the opening of the Chinese market would benefit Sultan Kudarat’s coffee industry.

“Iyong oportunidad na makapasok sa puso ng mga Tsino iyong kape ng Sultan Kudarat ay malaking bagay na po sa amin iyon dahil mayroon nang siguradong mapagdadalhan ang kanilang produkto (The opportunity for Sultan Kudarat’s coffee to win the hearts of the Chinese is a big help for us as it assures a sure destination for our coffee products),” she said.

For Gerb Golden Hands Corp. owner Dolores Lazarus, the CIIE connects small exporters like them to Chinese who are looking for Filipino products they may have tried during their visit to the Philippines.

“Malaking pakinabang ang nakukuha ng aking kompanya at mga magsasaka ng saging, kaya naman patuloy kong susuportahan at sasalihan ang CIIE (My business and banana farmers are benefiting from it, so I will continue to support and join the CIIE),” she said.

Meanwhile, Davao City Durian Association president Emmanuel Belviz said the 6th CIIE allowed the Philippines to share the delicious and unique taste of durian with the Chinese.

He said durian farmers are willing to improve the quality of their harvest and other durian products to meet the standards of the Chinese market. (PNA)