Eight individuals are posed behind a conference table in a meeting room. Banners for "Francorp" are visible in the background. The individuals, identified in the caption, include representatives from DTI-FTSC, JIGS, Bench, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and POPMART. One of the POPMART representatives, a man in the center, holds a small, boxy item. Water bottles and papers are on the table. The setting suggests a formal meeting or discussion, likely related to business or trade. Given the context of the article about POPMART's expansion in the Philippines and the presence of DTI and PFA representatives, the people in the image are likely a mix of Filipino and possibly Chinese individuals.
From L to R:DTI-FTSC Information and Communications Officer Reimund Navarro, JIGS Executive Assistant Zorayda D. Gojo Cruz, Bench Business Development Head Mitch Suarez, PFA Chairman Sam Christopher Lim, POPMART Vice President Karen Chen, DTI-FTSC Foreign Trade Service Officer Jeremiah C. Reyes, POPMART Sherry Zhang, DTI-FTSC Regional Coordinator for China and East Asia Melody P. Dicen

Makati City, Philippines—On April 10, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) facilitated the Manila visit of POP MART International Group—a global leader in character-based entertainment and designer toy culture. The company explored business opportunities such as retail expansion, investment strategies, and collaborations with Filipino creatives.

Individuals are standing behind a long conference table in a meeting room with large windows showing a cityscape. Two Philippine flags are displayed behind them, along with another flag that is partially obscured. The individuals, identified in the caption as representatives from DTI-FTSC, BOI-IAS, CPAB, and officials from POP MART International Group, are dressed in business attire. Some are holding small, wrapped items. The setting suggests a formal meeting or collaboration. Given the context of POP MART's expansion in the Philippines and the presence of Philippine government agencies, it's likely that some individuals in the image are Filipino and others may be of Chinese descent, representing POP MART.
In photo: DTI-FTSC, BOI-IAS, and CPAB together with officials from POP MART International Group

Facilitated by the DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Beijing (PTIC-Beijing) and the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), the delegation engaged with the Philippine Franchise Association, and key government offices. These included the Board of Investments, Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau, Design Center of the Philippines, and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

Individuals are standing behind a long conference table in a meeting room. The DTI logo is visible in the background. The individuals, identified in the caption as representatives from DTI-FTSC, DCP, IPOPHL, and officials from POP MART International Group, are dressed in business attire. Some are holding small, wrapped items. The setting suggests a formal meeting or collaboration. Given the context of POP MART's expansion in the Philippines and the presence of Philippine government agencies, it's likely that some individuals in the image are Filipino and others may be of Chinese descent, representing POP MART.
In photo: DTI-FTSC, DCP, and IPOPHL together with officials from POP MART International Group

The discussions centered on regulatory frameworks, market entry requirements, intellectual property, and potential partnership opportunities. Additionally, POP MART International Group Vice President Karen Chen presented the company’s development plans in the Philippines for 2025. These plans involve forging partnerships with local business enterprises, and expanding their physical presence through new store openings.

Specifically, the company conveyed a strong interest in working with Filipino creatives to develop new intellectual property and original designs. Through this creative engagement, POP MART seeks to create collectibles that are deeply inspired by the Filipino culture.

This expansion seeks to build on POP MART’s strong performance in 2024, where the company reported a 106.9 percent increase in revenue (13 billion yuan) and a 185.9 percent surge in net profit (3.4 billion yuan).

The company aims to leverage its strong brand recognition and loyal customer base, driven by the popularity of plush toys and an aggressive overseas market expansion, particularly in Southeast Asia, which has seen a six-fold increase in revenue. Currently, POP MART operates two pop-up stores at SM Makati and SM Mall of Asia, further strengthening its presence in the Philippine market.

The DTI’s PTIC-Beijing and FTSC continue to play a vital role in cultivating strategic partnerships and advancing investment opportunities in the Philippine market, supporting innovation and economic growth in entertainment, intellectual property development, and retail expansion. ♦

Date of Release: 22 April 2025

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