The Philippines is seeking to expand agricultural trade with Egypt in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

“They already granted us access for durian. We are hopeful they will do the same for our mangoes and bananas,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

In exchange, the DA bared plans to allow the entry of grapes and ware potatoes; as well as garlic and onion-sourcing from Egypt, alongside information sharing and technical assistance.

The pest risk assessment (PRA) for both Egyptian grapes and ware potatoes, however, is still being finalized, the DA said.

The said plans came after Tiu Laurel met with Egyptian Ambassador Nader Nabil Zaki last June 5.

In May, the Philippines’ fresh durian secured official clearance for export in Egypt after almost two years of technical review and bilateral efforts with the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) since 2023.

To date, the country’s agri trade with Egypt remains “modest,” amounting to USD7.5 million per year, with desiccated coconut and carrageenan as primary exports to Egypt; while importing broths, soups, and dried kidney beans.

Besides agricultural trade expansion targets with Egypt, the Philippines has been working to enhance trade ties with other countries.

These efforts include similar talks with New Zealand for durian export, as well as the first commercial shipment of fresh mangoes to Italy. (PNA)