Recognizing the potential for increased collaboration with non-traditional trading partners, the Department of Trade and Industry Foreign Trade Service Corps (DTI-FTSC) supported by its overseas trade and investment office in Mexico, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC-Mexico), facilitated a series of successful high-level meetings. The initiative culminated in Paraguay’s Vice Minister for Investments and Exports Javier Vivero’s official visit to the Philippines from February 20 to 21.
Joined by officials from key government units, including DTI’s attached agencies such the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and San Miguel Corporation, the discussions aimed to facilitate exchange of experiences in export, investment, and economic development. The meeting sought to promote foreign investment in the Philippines and Paraguay, ultimately strengthening bilateral trade relations.
DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo expressed interest in Paraguay’s trade relationships. Vice Minister Viveros emphasized Paraguay’s expanding partnerships with Taiwan and Japan, and discussed potential trade and investment collaborations with ASEAN countries, particularly in food processing and livestock exports. Both countries recognized their shared strengths in their manufacturing and energy sectors, while agreeing that they can be strategic partners with foreign investors.
During the meeting with the PCCI, Vice Minister Viveros mentioned Paraguay’s Bioceanic Corridor, a strategic transportation route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, that is expected to enhance trade by linking Mercosur markets in the region. PCCI President Eunina Mangio expressed keen interest in sharing this investment model with our business community.
The FTSC also arranged discussions with the DFA, graced by DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose. The meeting underscored the private sector’s role in strengthening economic relations. Both parties agreed to facilitate direct engagement between Filipino and Paraguayan businesses, including potential future visits by Paraguayan business representatives.
In another meeting, CITEM explained its mandate to the Paraguay delegation, focusing on developing, promoting, and organizing Philippine participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions. This include their signature events, such as the Manila FAME and International Food Expo (IFEX) Philippines, which features a wide array of food and beverage products, ingredients, and technologies.
Paraguayan delegates also showcased their country’s key agricultural products and export potential to San Miguel Foods, which expressed particular interest in these commodities. Notably, San Miguel Foods noted a critical coconut oil shortage in the Philippine market, signaling a significant opportunity for increased trade partnerships with Paraguay.
The Philippines continues to strengthen its trade partnership with Paraguay, exporting a diverse range of products, from advanced machinery and electrical equipment to high-value agricultural goods like coconuts and Brazil nuts. In return, the Philippines imports key commodities such as soybean cakes, frozen beef, rice, and corn, alongside industrial materials like cables, insulated conductors, and insecticides.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial development. The discussions concluded with a mutual pledge to enhance bilateral trade, attract new investments, and strengthen diplomatic ties for mutual growth.
