Manila: SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is set to invest PHP1.7 billion in the development of an 18,000-square-meter trade hall, the SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE), aimed at establishing Metro Manila as a premier location in Southeast Asia for international trade expositions. The project is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2027 within the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex.

According to Philippines News Agency, SM Prime stated that the new Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) venue will comprise two buildings designed to host international trade shows, product launches, corporate gatherings, and large-scale consumer exhibitions. Upon completion, SMXCITE, in conjunction with the existing SMX Convention Center Manila, will offer a total of 35,000 square meters of space.

Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., expressed confidence in the Philippines' emerging role in the MICE sector, highlighting the country's potential to compete with regional counterparts. "With world-class infrastructure and a strategic location, we believe Manila can rival regional peers as a go-to venue for international trade events," stated Angeles.

Beyond the facilities located within the SM MOA Complex, SM Prime's extensive convention portfolio includes venues such as SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu, and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.