Department of Agriculture, Egypt Envoy Plan Exchange of Goods

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is in talks with Egypt to open up market access for Philippine products.  DA Secretary William Dar welcomed new Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Shehabeldin in a virtual meeting on June 7 and discussed plans for an exchange of goods between the two countries.  “We are enthusiastic to further open up and hoping that both sides will benefit, and look at every opportunity where we can really open more market access between two countries,” Dar said.
    Both are eyeing future cooperation of products such as desiccated coconut, coconut oil, tuna (prepared and preserved), and bananas.  Dar said the exchange will boost agricultural development and provide food processing and logistics support to the planned agri-business corridor in New Clark City in Tarlac.
    Data from the Philippines Statistics Authority show coconut products exported to Egypt in 2020 generated USD1.469 million, increasing sharply from prior year at USD780,215. Major exports were desiccated coconut at 1,019 MT (425 MT in 2019) and activated carbon at 67 MT (93 MT).