Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban met with the delegates of the Embassy of New Zealand led by Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Tim Given, on March 20, 2023.
During the meeting, Sr. Usec. Panganiban expressed that the Philippines intends to increase exports of fresh Cavendish bananas and pineapples, prepared or preserved pineapples, thickeners or carrageenan, desiccated coconuts, and cigarillos. The Senior USec. added the DA’s intention to access New Zealand markets for other local agricultural products.
In 2022, the total amount of PH agriculture exports to NZ amounted to USD 34.9 million.
The meeting aims to further strengthen partnership of two countries particularly in high value products, marine and aquaculture products, research and development, livelihood assistance to local farmers and other initiatives that will further develop the Philippine’s agriculture sector.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Peter Kell, met last year and discussed various agricultural activities to boost the bilateral relations of two countries particularly on food security.
The Philippines and New Zealand has established their diplomatic relationship since July 1966. ### (photo by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)
