Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol is optimistic that Japan would cut its tariffs on Philippine cavendish following the recent “cordial” state visit by President Duterte in Tokyo.
Piñol will visit Japan this week for a bilateral talk with his Japanese counterparts to discuss agricultural issues, including serious matters on the country’s banana exports.
One of the agenda that the Department of Agriculture (DA) would push is the long-time proposal to reduce the tariffs slapped by Tokyo on Philippine Cavendish, Piñol said.
Piñol would also work out with his Japanese counterparts to lift the mandatory inspection on all Philippine banana shipments to Japan.
The country’s banana exports have been on tight scrutiny by Japanese authorities after some shipments to Tokyo in December were found out to have high pesticide content.
Piñol said the lifting by the DA on the import ban on Japanese fish species from Fukishima touch the hearts of Japanese officials, which resulted in a cordial atmosphere during the bilateral talks they had last week.
“I feel that our goodwill gesture of lifting the ban on their fish would open up a window of opportunity for us. I think they are softening on the tariff issue. I think they are willing to take a look at it,” he said in a recent interview.
“I am expecting positive results after our bilateral talks this week,” he added.
Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Executive Director Stephen A. Antig earlier told the Business Mirror that the government should pursue the reduction or elimination of Japan’s tariffs on Philippine bananas.
Antig said this would keep the Philippines more competitive against Japan’s other banana suppliers, which are exporting to the East Asian country at zero tariff.
Aside from banana-related issues, Piñol said he would also discuss with Japanese officials the recognition of the Philippines by Japan as a foot-and-mouth disease free country.
This, Piñol explained, would allow the country to pursue plans of exporting meat products to Japan if domestic and global situation warrants in the future.
Furthermore, the DA would also seek market access to Japan for the country’s hash avocado produce, Piñol added.