RP, Taipei deal on mangoes gains traction

As negotiations for mango exports to Taiwan moved on a significantly improved note, the Philippines intends to export mangoes to Canada and Europe as well. Taiwan is now asking for phytosanitary measures and treatment procedures for pest control, specifically on Philippine fruit flies that feed on fresh mangoes that can easily be controlled by using the extended hot water treatment, according to Larry Lacson, Bureau of Plant Industry director. “For the first, [Taipei has] responded positively. It’s already a big improvement. We have significantly progressed from out previous talks," Lacson said. It took the Philippines nearly five years to come this close to signing a trade pact with Taiwan on mangoes. The deal with Taiwan would be a success once the Taipei agrees to the treatment process for Philippine mangoes, Lacson said. Several measures are available to control fruit pest, and the Philippines can shift to the vapor heat treatment if the Taiwanese rejects the extended hot water treatment, Lacson added. The government is also eyeing Canada and Europe as possible destinations for Philippine mangoes, with production estimated to grow 10 percent annually over the next two years. Plant Bureau officials said Canada and Europe would be significant additions to the country’s export markets that include the Netherlands, South Korea, Hawaii, Guam, and Middle East countries. Philippine mango is exported to US and Australia, Japan and Hong Kong – the gateway to mainland China – absorbing nearly 90 percent of the volume. Accounting for 3.5 percent of the world’s production, the Philippines ranks sixth among the mango producers after China, Pakistan, Brazil, Mexico, and India. Despite the positive projections of government, the private sector expects a 13-percent decline in mango production due to climate change. Mango producers are concerned that the persistent irregular weather condition might affect the country’s fresh mango export. Last year, the Philippines exported 20,824 MT of fresh mangoes worth $19.539 million, 1,028 MT dried mangoes valued at $7.475 million, and 11,334 MT of processed mangoes worth $13.684 million. —VS, GMANews.TV