A European Gateway for Filipino Exporters

This is filed under Opportunities.

 An article from the website of DTI's Bureau of Export Trade Promotions led me to this site:



 CBI stands for, I presume, when translated in English is "Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries". It is Europe-based and requires a registration to customize the access of its target readers which are classified as:

 ⇒ a businessman from a developing country;
 ⇒ a business supporter from a developing country; or
 ⇒ a businessman from Europe.


 With its tagline "Your reliable partner in exporting" and an endorsement from DTI, I proceeded to register. Aside from the usual name, location, email address, it also asked for a cellphone number. The site shows that it does not discriminate against financially-strapped applicants in specifying that if the applicant does not have his own cellphone, he can register a friend or relative's phone number.

 A few seconds after I hit apply, I received a confirmation text via my cellphone so I can immediately dig into its pages. Based on my initial perusal, I could surmise that Europe has a demand for the following:

 ⇒ Automotive parts and components
 ⇒ Hand tools and power tools
 ⇒ Natural stone
 ⇒ Timber and timber products
 ⇒ Vegetable oils and fats including oils seeds
 ⇒ Body wear
 ⇒ Sports and camping goods
 ⇒ Toys and games
 ⇒ Business Process Outsourcing

 This site would have been a more useful for me if, or should I say when I already have my own company with a product to offer. I have my eye on the last item, BPO. Or maybe I may get in touch with people who are in the industries mentioned. In any case, it's good to know that there's a site that carries a database that can be a tool for suppliers from developing countries to enter the European market.