Shanghai, China — The Philippines is poised to further boost its agricultural trade with China as top officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) engaged in key discussions with major food importers during the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
DA Davao Region Director Macario Gonzaga, Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, and Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan met with executives from Goodfarmer Foods Holding (Groups) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Dole Food Co., Ltd. to explore new opportunities in agribusiness and fruit exportation.
The meeting focused on expanding market access for some of the country’s leading agricultural commodities, particularly fresh and frozen durian, Cavendish bananas, and pineapples—products that continue to drive the Philippines’ export growth in Asia.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening agricultural partnerships that promote sustainable growth, enhance supply chain linkages, and ensure consistent market opportunities for Filipino farmers and exporters.
Gonzaga said the collaboration reflects the government’s vision of helping farmers gain access to international markets through improved production standards and trade facilitation. “These partnerships help ensure that our farmers in Mindanao can benefit from global demand for premium tropical fruits,” he noted.
The Philippine delegation expressed optimism that continued engagement with global importers such as Goodfarmer and Dole will lead to greater export opportunities and new investments in the local agriculture sector.
Such initiatives are seen as crucial steps toward uplifting rural livelihoods, improving the competitiveness of Philippine produce, and building a more resilient agricultural economy that can thrive in the global marketplace.
The DA’s participation in the CIIE underscores the country’s determination to position Philippine agriculture as a reliable and sustainable trade partner in Asia and beyond.