Manila: The Philippines is looking to broaden its agricultural trade with Egypt, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday. 'They already granted us access for durian. We are hopeful they will do the same for our mangoes and bananas,' stated Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA has revealed plans to permit the entry of Egyptian grapes and ware potatoes into the Philippines. Additionally, there are discussions to source garlic and onions from Egypt while also enhancing information sharing and technical assistance between the two nations. However, the pest risk assessment (PRA) for Egyptian grapes and ware potatoes is still under finalization, as per the DA.

These initiatives follow a meeting between Tiu Laurel and Egyptian Ambassador Nader Nabil Zaki on June 5. The Philippines' fresh durian recently received official clearance for export to Egypt after nearly two years of technical review and bilateral efforts with the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), starting in 2023.

Currently, the agricultural trade between the Philippines and Egypt is described as 'modest,' with an annual turnover of USD7.5 million. The Philippines primarily exports desiccated coconut and carrageenan to Egypt, while importing broths, soups, and dried kidney beans. Besides targeting trade expansion with Egypt, the Philippines is also working to strengthen its trade ties with other countries. These efforts include talks with New Zealand regarding durian exports and the first commercial shipment of fresh mangoes to Italy.