A Swiss government-backed experts study highlighted the export potential for Philippine agricultural products such as coconut sugar, dried fruits, and textiles to major European markets, the Embassy of Switzerland said on Monday.
Experts from the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) presented insights into European Free Trade Association (EFTA) markets’ trade regulations, market access requirements, and market demand in a webinar entitled “Export Opportunities to Europe” during the National Export Congress last 2 December 2020.
The market study was conducted under the SIPPO, which is a longstanding, well-established flagship program for export promotion financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
The studies show that coconut sugar, dried fruits, and fruit purées for fruit-based beverages or as ingredients for dairy, ice-cream, or confectionery as well as natural ingredients, which are indispensable components in food, cosmetics, and health products, have high export potential to EFTA and European markets.
Following the release of the study, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen said he expects to find more Philippine products on the Swiss and European supermarket shelves in the near future.
“We are convinced that the Philippines can find the means, talent, and energy to position the country in the international stage as a supplier of innovative, attractive, and sustainable items especially in the markets of certified and ecological products,” Gaschen said.
Authors of the lengthy study included narratives on sustainability, creativity, and eco-friendly production to jive with European consumer preferences.
Switzerland and the Philippines tie up to promote exports for processed food, natural ingredients, and value-added textiles to countries in the EFTA and larger Europe.
This project is an example of the close economic cooperation between Switzerland and the Philippines and is anchored on the EFTA-Philippines Free Trade Agreement implemented on June 1, 2018.
Aside from Switzerland, the EFTA States also include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Norway.