RP allows Jeju oranges to compete in local market

The Philippines has allowed the entry of South Korean oranges into the country, a move that could blossom into better trade relations on fresh fruits for both countries. “The administrative order allowing Korean oranges into the country has been signed already. We’re now engaging into bilateral negotiations to finalize all the other details such as volume," said Bureau of Plant Industry director Larry Lacson. The entry of Jeju oranges into the Philippine market could spur Seoul to import more fresh fruits from the Philippines. South Korea has likewise allowed other mango varieties apart from the traditional carabao mango export into its shores, according to the bureau. Philippine plant quarantine officials would be visiting visit Korea's Jeju Island, where the special orange variety is grown, to conduct sanitary and phytosanitary inspections. Lacson said the Jeju oranges are better than any other imported oranges, “even better than the sweet Chinese Ponkan." South Korean exports to the Philippines rose from $6.1 billion in 2006 to $8.1 billion in 2008. Philippine products shipped to South Korea expanded from $2.2 billion in 2006 to $3.1 billion in 2008. Electronic integrated circuits are the leading exports of South Korea to the Philippines, which in 2008 was valued at $1.2 billion. South Korea also shipped to the Philippines $889.37 million worth of petroleum products and oils obtained from bituminous minerals. In 2008, the Philippines exported $153.8 million worth of bananas and $58.6 million worth of tobacco to Korea. Bananas accounted for 99.8 percent what South Korea imported from the Philippines. —VS, GMANews.TV