Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol said Türkiye is working with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to secure a regionalization agreement that would allow the resumption of poultry exports to the Philippines. The exports are currently under a temporary ban.
“We are working on both tracks, company-level certification and regionalization,” Akyol said during the opening of the four-day Turkish Trade Mission in Manila. “There is a good number of companies that want to be certified by the DA here, and we are also working for regionalization as well.”
Regionalization would allow exporters from disease-free zones in Türkiye to continue shipments even if other areas are affected by bird flu. Akyol expressed confidence that the process could be completed soon.
The Philippines suspended imports of poultry products from Türkiye following an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, among domestic birds in the European country.
On March 5, 2025, Turkish veterinary authorities reported the outbreak in Sarayduzu, Merkez, to the World Organization for Animal Health, prompting the DA to issue a ban covering poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and even semen used for artificial insemination.
The envoy’s push comes as the Philippines expands its recognition of regionalization agreements with other poultry exporters. Aside from Brazil, three other countries — the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland — recently secured bilateral recognition to maintain shipments despite bird flu outbreaks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued memorandum orders 49 to 52 granting recognition after assessing veterinary safeguards and public health control measures in those countries.
Akyol stressed that Türkiye, one of the world’s leading poultry producers, is eager to supply the Philippine demand for poultry meat and eggs once restrictions are lifted.
Akyol, who was set to meet with the DA on Wednesday, added that Turkish exporters are also eyeing opportunities in fresh and dried fruits to expand agricultural trade.
