Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. pressed for lower tariffs on Philippine bananas and raised concerns over market access for other fruit exports during a ministerial visit to Japan from Jan. 26-29.
In meetings with Japan’s new agriculture minister and officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tiu Laurel underscored the importance of improving trade conditions for Philippine bananas, one of the country’s top agricultural exports to Japan. The talks come as Manila prepares for accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The secretary also flagged challenges faced by other Philippine fruit exports, including the need to expand market access for pomelos and streamline regulatory protocols for mangoes and papayas. He stressed that easing trade barriers would help sustain the competitiveness of Philippine tropical fruits in the Japanese market, which remains a primary export destination.
To strengthen two-way agricultural trade, Tiu Laurel also sought expedited entry for Japanese grapes into the Philippine market.
The Philippines proposed expanding its existing memorandum of cooperation with Japan to cover fisheries. Japan is set to host the second Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Agriculture meeting in June 2026.
Tiu Laurel expressed optimism that the amended agreement could be signed this year, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between the two countries.
During the visit, Japan reiterated support for Philippine food security initiatives, including grant aid for a rice processing system at the National Food Authority facility in Cauayan City, Isabela. The project is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and improve rice quality.
Tiu Laurel also requested JICA assistance for several agriculture projects, including integrated food logistics hubs, commodity distribution studies, fisheries modernization, rehabilitation of Magat Dam, and expansion of the Market-Driven Vegetable Value Chain project.
