Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told reporters after talks with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture that the Philippines is seeking greater access to the Japanese market for its pomelo, banana, and tuna exports, according to a report by BusinessWorld .
Mr. Laurel emerged from the meetings seeking not only expanded market access but also Japanese assistance in modernizing the country’s farming systems and logistics infrastructure. The initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of Philippine agricultural exports, particularly in the high-value Japanese market.
The push comes as the Philippines looks to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade ties with Japan, a key trade partner. Improved market access for these products could provide significant income for local farmers and help modernize supply chains, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing product quality for export.