PH NEGOTIATING FOR DURIAN EXPORT TO NEW ZEALAND

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed hopes Friday that Philippine durian could soon enter the New Zealand market as the two countries negotiate for the export of the tropical fruit.

“We are talking about right now with our appropriate ministries. Ours is the Department of Agriculture for the Philippines and the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand. They are already in discussion on how to achieve this durian export,” President Marcos told Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during a bilateral meeting in Laos on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

For his part, Luxon said the Philippines and New Zealand made good progress in various areas such as security, trade and economy.

“I think on the economic front, we’ve talked about onions and pineapples. Pineapples are coming to New Zealand, onions are going to the Philippines, I hope. So, I think we’ve made some good progress there,” Luxon said. He also cited the positive developments in education, as well as political relation.

New Zealand earlier requested for market access for its onions to the Philippines. There are ongoing consultations between the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand, which are expected to be completed soon.

The two governments concluded bilateral agreements on defense and military, environment, labor, air services, law enforcement to combat transnational crimes, and work holiday scheme.

The agreements also cover science and technology, geothermal cooperation, avoidance of double taxation, trade, and postal matters.

The two nations issued the PH-New Zealand Joint Statement during the official visit of Luxon to the Philippines in April this year.

The Philippines and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on July 6, 1966, and will commemorate the 60th year of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2026.