The Philippines is poised to start exporting bananas, mangoes, pineapples, coconut oil, and other agricultural products to Turkmenistan, as the two countries recently discussed ways to expand their bilateral cooperation in various fields.
In a bilateral meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Middle East and African Affairs and Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan sought to expand partnerships particularly in the fields of agriculture, labor, tourism, small and medium enterprises, trade, sports, and investments.
Although they have not pegged a date for the Philippines to start exporting goods to the former Soviet republic, DFA-OMEAA Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana stressed the great potential for exporting tropical fruits to Turkmenistan.
“Pending bilateral agreements on political consultations, trade and economic cooperation, culture and tourism cooperation were likewise discussed during the visit,” Quintana said.
Both countries recognized the important role of their respective chambers of commerce, private sector representatives, and entrepreneurs, in coordinating and cooperating with each other in enhancing bilateral.
In November, both countries committed to expanding “friendly ties” built on the principles “of trust and mutual respect.”
Quintana noted the positive role of the neutrality policy of Turkmenistan and the similarity of both countries’ approaches in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
“Proposals were expressed to further consolidate efforts to combat the challenges of the global agenda,” she added.