The Philippines has signaled its intention to export more agricultural products to Türkiye in an effort to bolster bilateral trade and expand market access for its high-value produce.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said its top officials recently met with the Turkish Embassy to strengthen the agricultural ties of the Philippines and Türkiye.

During the meeting, representatives from both countries called for stronger trade in poultry, seafood, tropical products, as well as the production of Halal-certified feed.

On the part of the Philippines, the DA said it plans to export more bananas, pineapples, and tuna.

The government is also exploring the positioning of niche fruits, such as avocados, durian, papaya, and dragon fruit, for Türkiye’s premium retail and foodservice markets.

Beyond exports, the Philippines sees potential in becoming a regional hub for Halal-certified feed, potentially combining local corn production with Türkiye’s feed formulation expertise.

Turkish officials noted that their feeds contain no animal by-products, ensuring compliance with Halal standards.

They proposed utilizing the Waqf fund scheme, an Islamic social finance model that channels agricultural investments into charitable returns, to help the Philippines realize its vision.

In terms of poultry, the DA stated that the country aims to become a science-based trade partner of Türkiye through recent gains in biosecurity and regulatory oversight.

The meeting also took note of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency’s (TİKA) recent assistance drive in Sorsogon, where it donated hauling trucks that benefited 10 groups, including women’s and indigenous associations.

“Joint training, agricultural scholarships, and research partnerships on sustainable farming and climate resilience were also discussed,” it said.

TIKA is the government agency responsible for overseeing Türkiye’s official development assistance to developing countries, including the Philippines.

The DA said the meeting highlighted the complementary strengths of the Philippines and Türkiye—with the former contributing tropical fruits, fisheries, and feed production, and the latter bringing Halal standards, poultry expertise, and agricultural finance.

“Both sides agreed these synergies can lay the foundation for stronger agri-trade, anchored on shared standards, mutual investment, and long-term growth opportunities,” it said.

Based on government data, Philippine exports to Türkiye reached $42.2 million last year, reversing years of trade deficits.

In the first half, a $16-million trade surplus was recorded, primarily driven by coconut oil, desiccated coconuts, carrageenan, tobacco, and protein concentrates.