By Bernie Cahiles Magkilat

After being promised by its new ally China for a spotlight with 150 booths at the much-publicized China International Import Expo (CIIE), the first ever trade exposition in China that will only showcase imported products for the Chinese market, the Philippines has to contend with two booths only.

Francis Chua, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), told reporters that the Philippines pre-booked 150 booths through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) only to be informed last Monday that only 20 booths can be provided to the Philippines. On Wednesday, the booths had been pared down to only 2. The rest of the companies will have to use the common area to display their products.

“The reason given by the expo organizers is that the expo has been overbooked,” Chua said.

The CIIE, scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai, is a seller’s or exporters show where products from all over the world can be sold at the expo for Chinese buyers. Chinese manufacturers are not allowed to sell in the expo, but as buyers only. Chinese President Xi Xinping even supported this expo.

Because of the good relations between the Philippines and China, the latter even agreed to give the Philippines 20 percent discount for the first 30 booths. One booth measures 5 square meters in size and costs $2,100. The DTI through the Center for International Trade, Expositions, and Missions also agreed to give $100 per booth subsidy.

Originally, Chua said there were 99 Filipino businesses that signified interest but DTI said it would also reserve for 50 booths for a total of 150 booths. Already, 30 booths have been fully paid.

Chua, however, expressed hope that the organizers would still be able to accommodate most of the Philippine booths stressing there is still enough time to come up with additional or new venues for the exhibitors, who can sell their products tax-free.

The Philippines was also expected to send a big delegation to the show. At 100 booths with five persons each, that will be 500 Filipinos going already. This does not include many others, who will just go there as visitors.

Aside from being tax free, an exhibitor is also featured in the expo’s website for one year giving them promotion to the Chinese market and importers, who maybe in need for these products as part of their value chain.