The expanding retail markets of the Philippines and other Asian countries are hotter and bursting with opportunity. Exporters can thus gear their marketing efforts towards expanding the local retail market and tapping other emerging countries for retail development, said Dennis Orlina, president of the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries, Inc. (PCHI).

Orlina made this recommendation following the release of the 2011 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) indicating that six Asian markets, including the Philippines, were among the top 30 destinations for global retailers. 

He said the data suggest that aside from the local market, exporters can set their sights on these countries as their alternative markets, in addition to their traditional buyers.