Following the ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and South Korea, an increase in the exportation of Philippine tropical fruits to South Korea is anticipated. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. highlighted the imminent effect of the FTA, forecasting the entry of additional fruit varieties into the South Korean market, complementing the vegetables already being exported. The announcement was made during a ceremonial event for the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) Greenhouse and Postharvest Facilities in Lucban, Quezon.
The president expressed gratitude towards Korea's National Assembly for their expedited ratification of the FTA, which promises the phased elimination of tariffs on key Philippine exports such as bananas and processed pineapple. The current 30% tariff on bananas is expected to be removed within five years, and the 36% tariff on processed pineapple within seven years. This development is seen as a significant step in bolstering the agricultural trade between the Philippines and South Korea, underlining the longstanding bilateral relations that span 75 years.
The KOPIA initiative, which represents the largest agricultural research and development organization in South Korea, aims to enhance agricultural productivity in the Philippines through technology transfer and the establishment of infrastructure such as greenhouses equipped with advanced irrigation and ventilation systems. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Philippine government to augment food production through the development of seed production facilities in collaboration with various educational and governmental institutions.
Source: PortCalls