Philippines Expands Agri-Exports to Middle East with First Shipment to Saudi Arabia

MANILA, Philippines — The country has expanded its agricultural export push in the Middle East following the shipment of more than 17 metric tons (MT) of Davao-grown produce to Saudi Arabia, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). In a statement, the DA said 17.2 MT of Cardava bananas, sweet potatoes and singkamas (turnip) had been shipped to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The shipment had a total value of P800,000 and consisted of 1,350 boxes of bananas weighing 12 kilos each, 50 boxes of sweet potatoes and 50 boxes of singkamas, each weighing 10 kilos. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said further expansion of the overseas market would allow the country to reduce its more than $11 billion annual farm trade deficit. “Expanding agricultural exports helps narrow our trade deficit, encourages investments in modern farming and logistics, generates jobs in rural communities and builds a more competitive agricultural sector that can drive long-term economic growth,” he added. Tiu Laurel said new export markets would create new opportunities for the country’s farmers to receive higher incomes, “instead of allowing that value to benefit producers in other countries.” The produce was exported by Gerb Golden Hands Corp. from Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte and bound for Jeddah-based Rana Mohammed Saleem Commercial LLC. Davao Region executive director Macario Gonzaga said the recent shipment showed that continued export promotion could provide concrete results for the region’s farmers and agribusinesses. He added that continued participation in international trade exhibitions creates marketing opportunities for local farmers and exporters. “Every successful shipment strengthens Davao Region’s reputation as a dependable source of premium agricultural products and opens the door to more sustained export opportunities,” Gonzaga said. Business discussions were held during the AGRA Middle East Exhibition held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in 2024, where the DA’s Agriculture Regional Field Office XI and Gerb Golden Hands showcased Davao’s agricultural products. Information Source: Philstar Business