The Philippines is looking to export more high-value agricultural products, such as mangoes and bananas, to Egypt after recently gaining market access to the African market for durian.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he met with Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Nader Nabil Zaki last week to explore new opportunities for the country’s top produce.

“They already granted us access for durian. We are hopeful they will do the same for our mangoes and bananas,” said Laurel in a statement.

Last month, Egypt finally opened its door to durian exports from the Philippines after nearly two years of negotiations, pest risk assessments, and regulatory cooperation between the two governments.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), an attached agency of the DA, said the entry of the commodity reflects growing confidence of other countries in the Philippines’ plant health and safety systems.

In exchange for the market access for durian, as well as the potential entry of bananas and mangoes, Laurel is looking to facilitate the entry of Egyptian grapes and ware potatoes in the country.

The entry of the two commodities is in the works, with pest risk assessment and food safety analysis currently being finalized.

Laurel said the government is also exploring the potential of sourcing garlic and onions from Egypt. The technical assistance and information exchange for the said goods are already planned in the near future.

Based on government data, agricultural trade between the two countries stood at around $7.5 million annually.

The Philippines primarily exports desiccated coconut and carrageenan to Egypt, while importing goods such as broths, soups, and dried kidney beans.

According to the DA, private sector players are upbeat about the potential for a deeper trade agreement with Egypt, given its capacity as a gateway to regional markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The agency, in particular, is ramping up its efforts to unlock new trade opportunities in fast-growing markets such as North Africa.

With Egypt as a potential new market for more Philippine produce, this is seen as an expansion to both countries’ diplomatic relations that started in 1946.

Aside from durian’s entry to the African country, last month also saw the debut of fresh mangoes to Italy.

The government is currently in negotiations to bring durian to New Zealand, further expanding the income and market opportunities for durian farmers, especially those in Mindanao.