In an exciting development for Philippine trade, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has revealed that Faxtboxph will be dispatching another batch of our nation’s renowned mangoes to Australia this April 2024. This move is poised to further fortify the trade relations between the two countries.
Highlighting the robust recovery of bilateral trade between the Philippines and Australia, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized that trade levels have soared beyond pre-pandemic figures. In 2023 alone, the trade volume between the two nations surged to USD 4.1 billion, representing a significant 20% increase from the previous year’s USD 3.4 billion.
Secretary Pascual underscored, “The continued growth in our bilateral trade underscores the vast potential for our products in the Australian market. The successful export of our mangoes exemplifies the significant strides we’re making in facilitating agricultural trade, which is pivotal for our economic agenda.”
Moreover, Secretary Pascual noted the importance of key policy tools such as the Second Protocol of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), recently signed by the Philippines on February 14, 2024, in further optimizing the trade and investment relationship between the two nations.
Leading the charge in expanding the reach of premium Philippine agricultural products, particularly mangoes, is the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Sydney (PTIC-Sydney), DTI’s overseas arm. Through strategic initiatives such as trade fairs and consultations, PTIC-Sydney is actively working to enhance the international visibility of Philippine products.
Expressing optimism for the future, Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, highlighted the significance of the second mango shipment under the Strategic Partnership established in September 2023. She enthused, “The Philippines and Australia share a strong commitment to fostering trade ties, and the arrival of our mangoes signifies a delightful milestone in our partnership, especially as we celebrate Filipino Food Month in April.”
Meanwhile, FastboxPH, the logistics firm entrusted with the recent mango shipment, reported a surge in demand within the Australian market, attributing it to the unparalleled taste and quality of Philippine mangoes.
With Philippine mango exports to Australia adhering to stringent biosecurity regulations, successfully navigating documentation and inspection procedures, FastboxPH is now poised to further expand its presence across Australia. The company aims to establish partnerships with additional retailers and distributors nationwide, ensuring wider accessibility of Philippine mangoes to Australian consumers.
Miguel Ripoll, Managing Director of FastboxPH, echoed the sentiment of excitement for the future, asserting, “The overwhelmingly positive response to our initial shipment last year has paved the way for a triumphant return of Philippine mangoes to Australian tables this April. We are steadfast in our commitment to making Philippine mangoes a household staple in Australia.”
With the DTI spearheading efforts and the unwavering dedication of all involved parties, the future of Philippine mango exports to Australia looks brighter than ever, promising mutual prosperity for both nations. ♦
Date of release: 06 April 2024
