Eastern Europe seen as new market for agricultural products

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines plans to enter new export markets for various agricultural products, with greater focus on the East European region, particularly Belarus.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the Philippines hopes to join the Bel-Agro Festival, one of the world’s biggest agricultural exposition participated by nearly 20 countries in Eastern Europe.

“Among our products to be showcased are coconut, especially green young coconuts and coconut water, mango, banana, pineapple, canned tuna, bottled sardines and premium coffee and cacao,” said Piñol, who is currently in Belarus.

“Belarus Deputy Minister Ivan Smilhin said the Philippines would have to undertake a promotional campaign for its products, especially coconut because it is a new commodity to the Eastern European consumers who have been using sunflowers and olive oil,” he added.

The Philippines started its aggressive marketing campaign in the Eastern European Union, which has a 180-million population, with engagements with the Belarus Agriculture Ministry and officials of a leading supermarket chain.

The mission aims to open up a new market for the country’s coconut products, including mangoes, bananas, pineapple and fish.

“We will be participating in the Bel-Agro, the entry of Belarus tractors into the country and the initial shipment of mango, canned pineapple, canned tuna and the display of coconut products in one of the stores of Euro-Opt, a leading supermarket chain here,” Piñol said.

While Belarus only has a population of 10 million, it is considered the gateway to the rest of the Eastern European market.

The Philippines will also introduce fresh tuna, canned and bottled sardines, dried fish, bananas, pineapple, coffee and cacao, finest abaca handicrafts and other products.

This will be the biggest participation by the Philippines in an Eastern European Agricultural Expo since President Duterte started engaging with Russia and the other countries of the former Soviet Union.