Phl pushes Japan to cut banana tariffs, expand agri trade

The Philippines is requesting Japan to lower tariffs on fresh bananas and open new opportunities for other agricultural exports, while preparing for accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said Wednesday that the country is seeking new market access for pomelos, faster entry for Japanese grapes, and strengthened protocols for mango, papaya, and poultry from avian flu-free regions.

Tiu Laurel recently completed a ministerial visit to Japan, where he met with Japan’s new Agriculture Minister and the Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance cooperation on agriculture, fisheries, and food security.

“The Philippines proposed expanding the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to include fisheries. Japan welcomed the plan and will host the second PH-Japan Joint Committee on Agriculture meeting in June,” the agency said.

The Philippine and Japanese governments are eyeing to finalize the amended MOC this year, which would coincide with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During the visit, Tiu Laurel secured Japan’s grant aid for a Rice Processing System in NFA Cauayan City, Isabela.

The facility, which will include four 30-metric-ton grain dryers, a 10-ton-per-hour rice mill, and four 1,000-ton silos, is designed to reduce postharvest losses, improve rice quality, and maintain year-round buffer stocks.

The grant agreement is set for signing in February for immediate implementation.

The Secretary also requested JICA support for other priority projects, including integrated Food Logistics Hubs, a nationwide study on basic commodity distribution, modernization of small-scale fisheries, rehabilitation of Magat Dam, and expansion of the Market-Driven Vegetable Value Chain project.