In line with the Philippine government’s continuous efforts to support and strengthen the country’s export sector, the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) have forged a meaningful partnership aimed at promoting outbound trade missions and global networking opportunities for Filipino exporters.

The collaboration is built on a shared mission: to expand the international presence of Philippine products and services through strategic engagement, international exposure, and business matchmaking. As the country continues to recover and evolve in the post-pandemic global economy, both WTCMM and DTI-EMB recognize the critical need to connect local exporters with the right foreign markets, business partners, and investment opportunities.

Uniting for a Stronger Export Sector

WTC Metro Manila has long been a key player in international trade facilitation, providing a premier venue for large-scale exhibitions, trade fairs, and business events that bring together decision-makers from across the globe. Through its membership in the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), WTCMM is part of a vast international network of over 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries — offering Filipino exporters direct access to global markets and connections.

On the other hand, DTI-EMB is the lead agency responsible for implementing policies and programs that promote exports and provide technical and marketing support to Filipino businesses. Their partnership with WTCMM serves as a natural extension of their efforts to assist local enterprises, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in gaining visibility and credibility abroad.

The synergy between WTCMM and DTI-EMB lies in their commitment to take a proactive and collaborative approach in engaging exporters and supporting them in the ever-competitive global market.

Promoting Outbound Trade Missions

One of the primary thrusts of this partnership is the promotion of outbound trade missions — targeted business delegations composed of Filipino companies that are brought to key international markets for business networking, market exploration, and trade promotion.

These outbound missions, often timed alongside international trade shows or business forums, are designed to provide participants with firsthand exposure to potential markets, engage in B2B meetings, and explore import-export opportunities with foreign buyers and partners.

Through WTCMM’s strategic global connections under the WTCA, these missions are being carefully curated to match Philippine export capabilities with demand in international markets. DTI-EMB, on its part, brings in-depth market intelligence, support in exporter readiness, and policy backing to ensure the sustainability and success of such trade missions.

Recent efforts have already shown significant promise, with delegations to markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America resulting in new leads, export contracts, and partnerships for participating companies.

WTCA Global Business Forum: A Global Platform for Filipino Exporters

An important highlight of this collaboration is WTCMM’s participation in and promotion of the WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) — a flagship initiative of the World Trade Centers Association that gathers hundreds of business leaders, government officials, trade promotion agencies, and World Trade Center representatives from around the world.

The WTCA GBF serves as a dynamic platform for companies to explore international partnerships, showcase products and services, and engage in high-level discussions on global trade trends and challenges. For Filipino exporters, participation in the GBF provides access not only to key global markets but also to a wealth of knowledge and insight into emerging sectors, supply chain innovations, and cross-border trade opportunities.

DTI-EMB supports this endeavor by endorsing select Filipino companies to represent the Philippines in the Global Business Forum and helping them prepare through capacity-building sessions, branding support, and export development coaching. By aligning these efforts, WTCMM and DTI-EMB are able to maximize the presence and competitiveness of Philippine brands on the global stage.

Empowering MSMEs and Industry Clusters

Another focal point of the partnership is inclusive growth — ensuring that MSMEs and regional industry clusters are not left behind in the drive for internationalization. Recognizing that many small businesses face limitations in market access, logistics, financing, and capacity-building, WTCMM and DTI-EMB are working to bridge these gaps.

Training sessions, export readiness programs, and networking events are being conducted in collaboration with regional offices, export councils, and private sector partners. These initiatives aim to equip exporters with the tools they need to thrive in foreign markets — from understanding export documentation and market standards to building brand identity and negotiating with international buyers.

The Road Ahead

With this partnership, WTC Metro Manila and DTI-Export Marketing Bureau are setting the stage for a more globally connected and competitive Philippine export sector. Both institutions understand that in today’s interconnected world, collaboration and innovation are key to unlocking new trade frontiers.

As the world reopens and global trade rebounds, Filipino exporters are now better positioned to expand their networks, explore new markets, and promote proudly Filipino-made products across borders.

Through sustained efforts in promoting outbound trade missions and platforms like the WTCA Global Business Forum, this partnership is not just opening doors — it is building bridges to a more inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-rich future for Philippine trade.