Trial Exports to Singapore May Boost PH Agriculture

With electronic exports lagging, PH is hoping to boost the agriculture side of exports

The Philippines is sending over “trial shipments” of fruits and vegetables to Singapore in the hope of long-term export deals

According to the National Statistics Office, Philippine exports have dropped November from 2010’s $4.146 billion down to $3.342 billion. That’s roughly a 19% decline in revenue, mainly due to the lagging demand for electronics. Sadly, electronics is our country’s biggest export, comprising 45.8 percent of export receipts in November.

Currently though, Philippines is focusing on an entirely different export market – fruits and vegetables. A recent “trial export” to Singapore is expected to boost Philippine agricultural exports and compete with the produce of other countries. With the PH agriculture estimated at $4 billion, it’s not even half of Vietnam’s $11 billion and Thailand’s staggering $28 billion agriculture industry.

With the “trial shipment”, Philippines is hoping to expand its market and create new room for the lagging face of Philippine produce. The shipment will be made through Green and Fresh Ltd, a Singaporean company. Assessment was already made by officials of this company, particularly on the farms that will be providing the products.

According to Agriculture assistant secretary Salvador Salacup, the test shipment would contain about 20 boxes of different fruits and vegetables including cabbage, squash, bananas, carrots and papaya. Spices will also be included in the shipment to be sent over next week.

Salacup qualifies however that the trial shipments would need further assessment by the Singaporean company. The quality would need to be tested, pests and diseases be checked out and the reaction of consumers to be observed. If all goes well, this trial shipment could pave the way to larger orders from Singapore, putting PH agriculture in a firm footing and guaranteeing future revenues for farmers.

Currently, some of the biggest export market for the Philippines includes Japan, China and the United States. Other countries buying from the Philippines include Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Netherland, Hong Kong and of course, Singapore.

Photo courtesy of kriyayoga.com