By Vichael Angelo Roaring / Trade Service Officer / Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Mexico / Foreign Trade Service Corps
Conclusion
THAT’S not to say Filipinos haven’t been making a splash in the region. Global liquor company Emperador Inc., owned by Filipino tycoon Dr. Andrew Tan, purchased through its Spanish subisidiary major Mexican brands, such as Presidente (Mexico’s No. 1 selling brandy), Azteca de Oro and Don Pedro. Not only does this make Emperador the largest brandy producer in the world, it also paves the way for Filipino exporters to possibly tap the Mexican and Latin American market.
Our exchanges in the alcoholic sector go beyond the present. In the state of Colima, located in the middle of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, a fermented coconut drink called tuba (pronounced too-bah, like the musical instrument), continues to be produced and drunk by locals as a potent libation. Filipino sailors are said to have taught locals how to ferment the coconut drink, a gift of the Filipinos to the people of Mexico—a product of the commercial and cultural exchanges made during the days of the Manila Galleon Trade.
Fast-forward to 2016. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recognized the importance of Mexico as its strategic gateway to opportunities in Latin America. The DTI has recently opened its trade office in Mexico City, its first in Latin America, and has assigned Trade Service Officer Vichael Angelo Roaring as commercial counselor to facilitate and develop trade and investment opportunities for the Philippines in the region.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Mexico City, in partnership with the Export Marketing Bureau, can assist would-be exporters who want to take a look at Mexico as an export market. For more information, you can contact PTIC Mexico at mexico@dti.gov.ph or +52-55-5280-4072, or the Export Marketing Bureau at EMBinfo@dti.gov.ph or +63-2-465-3380.