The Arroyo administration will pursue bilateral and multilateral negotiations and undertake aggressive marketing campaigns through agricultural attaches, to reinforce the Philippines’ image as the supplier of the “sweetest and best mango in the world.” This is according to Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.
Last year, the Philippines exported 20,824 metric tons of fresh mangoes worth $19.539 million. Dried mango exports reached 1,028 MT valued at $7.475 million while processed mango exports totaled 11,334 MT worth $13.684 million.
Secretary Yap cited efforts to further expand exports to traditional markets and open new ones. He said Canada and Europe would be welcome additions to the country’s list of new export markets that include the Netherlands, South Korea, the Middle East, Hawaii and Guam.
Secretary Yap said the government will continue providing assistance to exporters to reduce costs of shipping goods to markets overseas, including providing them with support in the conduct of pesticide residue analysis. (PIA)