PRESS RELEASE - 77 - 2019

Deputy Consul General Angelica Escalona (center) and Vice Consul Andrea Christina Caymo (fifth from right) together with Cindy Matsuki (sixth from right) of Hawaii FTZ and the other meeting attendees

(9 October 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii) – The Philippine Consulate General hosted a Dialogue with the Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) on 8 October 2019 at Max’s of Manila in Dillingham, Honolulu. FTZ was represented by Ms. Cindy Matsuki, who specializes in helping firms which import goods to Hawaii.

Aside from the Consulate, businesses who are currently and prospectively importing products from the Philippines attended the briefing. The dialogue with FTZ provided the attendees with information on how companies can take advantage of using Hawaii FTZ for their importing needs. A foreign trade zone is an authorized place considered to be outside the customs territory of the United States. By using Hawaii FTZ, companies can postpone the payment of duties, take advantage of lower rate of duties when they manufacture inside an FTZ, avoid bonded warehouse limitations, avoid certain state and local taxes, among other benefits.

Businesses who are looking for products to source from the Philippines can get in touch with the Economic Section of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu (phone: 808-595-6316 | email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). (END)

Cindy Matsuki of Hawaii FTZ providing insights on the work they do and the benefits of using Foreign Trade Zones

Attendees sharing their insights and trade experience