Group photo of delegates and officials during the opening ceremony of ProPak Asia 2025 at BITEC, Bangkok, featuring the event backdrop and sponsor logos, with some participants holding a flag in the front row.

Bangkok, Thailand—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Philippines underscored its continued commitment to promoting Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on the global stage with its participation in ProPak Asia 2025. This event is the region’s foremost international trade event for processing and packaging technology.

Following DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque’s initiatives, this year’s participants consist of 227 MSMEs and DTI delegates, led by Regional Operations Group (ROG) Supervising Head Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, together with Assistant Secretary Dominic Tolentino, Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista, Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Bangkok Commercial Counsellor Ella Burgos and the technical team.

The 32nd edition of this annual event, held from June 11 to 14 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) revolves around the theme “Carbon-Neutral Pathways: Sustainable Processing and Packaging Ecosystem.” ProPak Asia gathers global industry leaders, buyers, and innovators to explore the latest solutions across eight key sectors, including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics.

The opening ceremony on June 11 was attended by industry executives, international organizations, and government officials. It featured a video presentation, a cultural performance, and opening messages from key figures including Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of Informa Markets Thailand; Mrs. Luciana Pellegrino, President of the World Packaging Organization; and Mr. Fukuya Iino (Ph.D., MBA), UNIDO Representative.

Strengthening Philippine MSME Presence

Usec. Blesila Lantayona with six other individuals at the ALAFOP booth during ProPak Asia 2025, standing in front of banners detailing the organization's vision and mission, with local products such as a wooden Luzon map and bags displayed on the table.

Since the country’s first participation in 2018, the DTI has consistently supported Filipino MSMEs in joining ProPak Asia. The Department recognizes the event’s strategic value for exposure, market linkage, and technology benchmarking. Over the years, ProPak Asia has served as a key platform for Filipino enterprises to elevate their branding, packaging, product quality, and supply chain practices to international standards.

In 2024, Secretary Cristina Roque, formerly the MSME Development Group Undersecretary led the Philippine delegation, joined by more than 20 DTI regional and provincial directors and over 300 MSMEs. The exhibit drew attention to Filipino creativity, resilience, and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Usec. Blesila Lantayona and Asec. Dominic Tolentino at the Ricciarelli booth during ProPak Asia 2025, engaging in discussion with other delegates amid displays of packaging systems and promotional materials.

As sustainability is a must in the global packaging and processing industries, the DTI remains committed to empowering local MSMEs to align with international trends and adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Through continued participation in international trade exhibitions such as ProPak Asia, the Philippines continues to reinforce its vision of building inclusive, innovation-driven, and globally competitive enterprises that continuously contribute to national economic growth in “Bagong Pilipinas.” ♦

Date of Release: 13 June 2025

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