The Department of Agriculture (DA) is optimistic of establishing further trade partnerships with Russia after talks were made for possible collaboration and business opportunities between the two countries.
The agency recently took part in the business mission of Russian companies organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation and Agroexport Center conducted in the Philippines last week.
DA Undersecretary Agnes Catherine Miranda who represented the agency in the meeting, said that Philippine agriculture exports to Russia have grown by 26 percent from 2018 to 2021.
DA added that 15 Russian agribusiness companies mainly involved in industries such as poultry, dairy, pork, wheat, grain and tea, among others were also involved in the meeting.
Meanwhile, for the Philippines, emerging agricultural products such as pili, calamari, carrageenan and coconut abaca were highlighted.
Miranda also told the Russian delegates about capital investment opportunities in cold storage and processing facilities for fresh and value-added farm products throughout the Philippines.
DA added that at present, top agricultural exports to Russia are desiccated coconuts, carrageenan, banana chips, coconut milk and Cavendish banana.
According to data from the Bureau of Animal Industry, the country has no recorded meat imports from Russia last year.
As of May this year, the country still has not sourced any meat imports from Russia.
