The Philippines eyes more agricultural product exports to Russia

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines continues to explore export opportunities for various agricultural products, this time targeting to tap a greater chunk of the Russian market.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the country wants to export coconut oil, banana and shrimp to Russia.

“The DA is set to organize a trade mission which includes stakeholders of the agriculture and fisheries sectors to further penetrate the huge and previously unexplored market of Russia and other member countries of the Russian Federation,” he said.

The agri chief recently met with Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev to finalize the arrangements for the planned visit of the Philippine delegation to Moscow later this month.

The agricultural trade delegation will include representatives of the coconut industry, fisheries sector, banana industry and some mango farmer organizations.

“The trade mission was prompted by the efforts of the DA to find new markets for its coconut products in the face of very low prices of coconut oil in the world market,” Piñol said.

The engagement will include the signing of an implementing agreement between the two countries which is based on a memorandum of agreement signed during the visit of President Duterte to Moscow in May 2017.

In return, the Philippines is interested in importing fertilizers, wheat and modern farm machinery from Russia.