Envoy hints on importing Cebu mangoes to Belgium

CEBU, Philippines – Seeing the potential of Cebu's dried mangoes to the world market, Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Roland Van Remoortele recently said there is a "possibility" that they will open the trade for such products in Belgium.

Remoortele said with Belgium as a member of the European Union, where all taxes and other import fees are waived, there is a possibility that they will import Cebu's dried mango products, especially those coated with chocolates since Belgians like mangoes and chocolates.

The Belgian diplomat, who paid a courtesy call to Gov. Hilario Davide III, said he personally likes the chocolate-coated dried mangoes in Cebu that he brings boxes of them to Belgium.

"I take pride in fantastic mangoes and dried mangoes, most specially the dried mangoes covered in chocolate," he said.

"They (Belgians) love it because they like mango and chocolates," he added.

There is however a problem in the marketing of these products, he said. He said in Manila, shopping centers which are supposed to sell the locally produced mangoes are ironically selling those imported from the USA.

"There is something wrong with the marketing. There are things to be done for marketing. You should be proud of your produce," he said.

Remoortele said his visit to Cebu was to discuss developments between the province and Belgium, and "things we can do together."

He said he was in Cebu last year, and since then he saw much improvement and lots of developments in the province.

He said businessmen should go out to the provinces and Cebu to make business rather than in the already crammed Metro Manila.

"This province offers so many possibilities. Business people have the tendency to stay in Manila. They should come to Cebu and do business here," he said.