RP may soon export tropical fruits to Taiwan

The country is one step closer to exporting papaya, mango and banana to Taiwan as the Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) announced they are in the final stages in the negotiation for opening Taiwan’s agricultural market access for tropical fruits.

“We at MECO are pushing for the conclusion of our market access talks with Taiwan in 2009 with regards to our top agricultural products,” said MECO managing director and resident representative Antonio I. Basilio.

MECO did not have data on how big the tropical fruit market in Taiwan is and how much local exporters can earn once the new market opens.

According to Basilio, they are confident they can convince Taiwan to allow Philippine fruits. “Our tropical fruits, particularly our mangoes, are extremely juicy, luscious and of superior quality. Quality is key to Taiwan’s fruit and vegetable market, and we are confident that the Philippines’ agricultural produce will meet the exacting requirements of the Taiwanese consumer.”

In 2008, MECO stepped up its drive to increase the Philippines’ agricultural and fishery exports to Taiwan through market-access agreements with Taipei’s Council of Agriculture.

Likewise, MECO pushed for the broadening of opportunities for cooperation in the field of livestock biotechnology and research capability.

Basilio said the component of MECO’s proposed development cooperation included exchange of knowledge, skills, resources and technical know-how among experts that would strengthen human resources capabilities and research and development collaboration.

Included in the agenda of Taiwan’s biotech experts and their Filipino counterparts is the Pateros duck industry.

“In 2008, a Duck Technical Team from Taiwan visited the Philippines to assess the local duck industry as requested by the Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Development Council,” Basilio said.

He said the Taiwanese technical team made a number of major recommendations including a systematic and vigorous campaign to upgrade the local ‘Pateros’ breed, the mainstay of the local duck industry, through artificial insemination, improved feeding program, and better farm management among others.