According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), crops from Cagayan Valley (Region II) are being evaluated for their export potential to East Asian markets.
Tokyo-based PTIC commercial attaché Kenneth T. Yap said at a recent DTI webinar that the mung bean is showing potential for export even by small farming operations. Jose I.C. Laquian, the agriculture attaché at the Tokyo embassy, said that non-traditional channels are also being explored in Japan, such as vending machines, which have the potential to sell tropical fruit. “If we could go on creating a niche market, say for Region II bananas, I’m sure we have a ready story to tell from Region II and that would make a lot of difference,” Laquian said.
Roberto B. Mabalot, Jr., PTIC-Hong Kong Vice Consul-Commercial, said Hong Kong can be tapped for fruit exports. Hong Kong imported $3.65 billion worth of fresh fruit in 2019.
Source: bworldonline.com