The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is still upbeat for the export industry this year despite the slowdown in performance due to weak global demand as new markets are being eyed by both exporters and the government.

“There are silver lining in new markets such as Russia, Africa and the Middle East which the exporters and DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) are exploring,” PCCI President Alegria Limjoco told The Manila Times on Wednesday.