PHL eyes higher exports to China

[MikeLigalig.com]

PHL eyes higher exports to China
By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The Philippines is looking to export more agricultural and fishery products to the huge Chinese market.

“With the opening of the big China market, everybody is trying to produce what China needs,” said Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.

Piñol said there is increased interest for Philippine products such as bangus, high-value fish, coconut, fruits, pineapple, mango and banana.

Government data indicated that China ranked third with USD633.36 million or 12.2-percent share of the country’s total exports in September 2016.

The agriculture chief believes that increased exports particularly to China can benefit the Philippine economy and reduce poverty.

“I think by 2022, we will be able to reduce poverty in our agriculture sector. We target a reduction of 25 percent in poverty incidence,” he added. (PNA)
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