Philippines seeks new export markets for durian, bananas

MANILA, Philippines — The country is looking to expand its agricultural exports as a means to boost market access of locally grown products, according to a unit of the Department of Agriculture.

The DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) is in talks with Australia, Uzbekistan and several Middle Eastern countries to expand market access for locally produced farm goods, including durian, mango and bananas.

BPI director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said that the Philippine and Australian governments are finalizing talks to open export access for Manila’s bananas.

He added that the agency has already submitted its pest risk analysis to Australia’s agriculture department.

“We have already received a response and acknowledged our risk analysis results, so the ball is in their court,” he told reporters.

“When we hold a joint meeting with (Australia’s) Department of Agriculture, then we can finalize,” he added.

He said that the BPI is improving its protocols for banana production to meet Australian standards.

On durian, Panganiban said the BPI is looking to expand exports to other countries, amid declining shipments to China.

He added that apart from expanding access, the BPI is pushing to add value to locally-grown durian.

“The drive now is toward frozen durian because it’s easier to market. We do have interest from other countries where we are exporting, like Korea and we are also pushing for Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

He noted that the Philippines is also in talks to export durian to Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt and Jordan.

The Philippines is also in talks with Uzbekistan to export tropical fruits, like mango and banana, to the Central Asian country.

Panganiban added that Uzbekistan is also looking to export its cherries to the Philippines.

He said that the BPI is waiting for a formal agreement between Manila and Tashkent to finalize export protocols.