Philippines eyes export of fresh bananas to Australia

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has renewed its push for market access to its fresh bananas and the termination of the anti-dumping measure on its canned pineapples to Australia.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the request for market access to Australia for fresh Cavendish bananas was raised during the two countries’ second trade, investment and industry dialogue led by Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo and Australia’s Department of Foreign and Trade Deputy Secretary Christopher Langman last April 20.

Reactivated after a six-year hiatus, the economic bilateral cooperation mechanism was held as part of a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

“While the Philippines lauded the first ever shipment of frozen durian from Davao to Australia, it reiterated its interest for the grant of market access by Australia for fresh Cavendish bananas as top priority, with durian and dragon fruit also subsequently lined up for consideration,” the DTI said.

In addition, the Philippines requested for the anti-dumping measure imposed on Philippine canned pineapples to be discontinued.

Australia said it would work with the Philippine government and exporters in addressing the requests.

Despite the issues, the DTI said there are opportunities to expand Filipino food, fashion, and home retail offerings in Australia’s mainstream supermarket and retail stores.

During the meeting, the two countries also discussed the promotion of opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties in areas such as personal protective equipment, vaccines, pharmaceutical manufacturing, copper industry, electric vehicles, agriculture, defense, shipbuilding, renewable energy, education, and development programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Australian government proposed to work with Philippine agencies DTI, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Anti-Red Tape Authority in promoting opportunities for stronger trade and investment ties.