The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced they will seek to increase export sales of key food commodities such as bananas, mangoes and seaweed, while promoting high-value crops such as coffee and cacao as they address market access and tariff issues.
“We’re proud to formalize this partnership with DTI, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Monday, referring to the newly signed memorandum of understanding. “Combining the resources and expertise of both agencies will unlock the full potential of Philippine agriculture.”
The partnership also seeks to strengthen the country’s position in global markets.
The DA cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which showed that as of September, agro-based exports reached $492.6 million or 8 percent of the Philippines’ total exports.
The DA said key objectives of the partnership include trade promotion, strategic investments, empowerment of small and medium enterprises and resolution of issues such as market access and tariffs.
The initiative will tap private sector stakeholders, including the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc., it added.
The DA said its Export Development Office also launched programs to boost exports of bananas, mangoes, seaweed, coconuts and durian, apart from emerging crops such as coffee and cacao.
