The Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) recently concluded a market sensing mission to Taiwan to strengthen the Philippines' sustainable development efforts.

CITEM led a delegation composed of DTI regional and provincial officers from Mindanao and Ilocos, representatives from the Municipality of Buguey in Cagayan, Quezon City, and advocates from the private sector. Together, the team visited sustainability-driven facilities in and around Taipei, and attended the SDG Asia 2025 at the Taipei World Trade Center held from September 11-13, 2025.

SDG Asia is the major event in the region that promotes sustainable development, net-zero initiatives, and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies toward the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). SDG Asia, formally known as the Asia-Pacific Forum & Exposition for Sustainability, highlights Taiwan’s cross-sector collaboration among authorities, industries, the academe, and civil society.

Many SDG Asia exhibitors provided immersive experiences in their respective booths, combining scientific information with real-life applications.

In coordination with DTI’s commercial arm, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Taipei (PTIC-Taipei) and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), CITEM also organized a networking dinner for the delegates and stakeholders from various industries in Taiwan. Here, the group was able to explore opportunities, discussing value propositions of Philippine export products, such as lobster and desiccated coconut, with Taiwanese buyers. Officially welcoming the guests was PTIC-Taipei Trade Representative and Director for Commercial Affairs Anthony Rivera. He was also on hand during the delegation’s courtesy call to the office of MECO Resident Representative Cheloy Garafil.

MECO is the representative office of the country in Taiwan, operating as a non-profit and non-stock private corporation under Philippine law. It provides migrant-related services for overseas Filipinos and is also supervised by the DTI. 

Localizing sustainability for progress

The various activities and SDG Asia 2025 offered the team tangible proof of Taiwan’s comprehensive agenda and effective execution of sustainability initiatives and trends, cross-industry collaborations, and relevant socio-economic impacts on society. These sustainable targets involving both private and public sectors include active roles in the circular economy, energy management, green living, and the ongoing campaign for net-zero transformation throughout Taiwan.

Learning more about the impact of a circular economy, the delegation explored the processes and byproducts of different waste materials reborn to support general eco living through innovative solutions.

Bringing home scalable and replicable ideas

The delegation also learned valuable insights into the whole ecosystem of sustainable development efforts–from ideation, guiding policies and resource requirements, the science and technology behind the innovative applications, up to the measurable impacts on people and communities.   

A guided tour of the gallery-like spaces of the Chung Tai Green Energy & Circular Economy Innovation Center features the depth of commitment and resources required to operate viable waste incineration for sustainable power generation.

Meanwhile, the Taoyuan Sustainable Resource Center works to promote products and programs from local and international enterprises geared toward public learning and engagement. Many of the featured works at the center have qualified for an annual subsidy (NTD 100,000) from Taiwan. 

Drawing inspiration from the experience, DTI-Caraga representatives immediately went to work in finding a way to adapt sustainable practices on the local level as part of their commitment toward sustainable development in the country. Regional Director Gay Tidalgo spearheaded a meeting with the aim of proposing the establishment of a shared service facility (SSF) project called “GreenCycle: Profitable Waste Processing Solutions.” Present were representatives from various offices and the barangay chair of the municipality of Butuan City. 

CITEM hopes to gain more commitment from the delegation in helping adapt the sustainable practices in their local areas or operations, as it prepares to take further steps to grow its own initiatives toward helping the country’s industries realize their roles in creating a sustainable future.

The Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) is a CITEM signature program promoting sustainable practices, resources, and technology to the world’s essential industries. SSX creates avenues for Philippine MSMEs and other businesses to continue or transition toward a circular economy. The next edition will be held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City, Philippines that is concurrent with the 19th edition of IFEX Philippines on May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

Banner caption: CITEM tracks sustainable practices in Taiwan’s transformative industries, and gets a glimpse of an innovative culture at SDG Asia 2025.