DA sees improved trade relations with Iran

The Department of Agriculture is anticipating increased two-way trade in agricultural goods with Iran following a meeting with the Western Asian nation’s ambassador to the Philippines.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol Monday said that, in particular, the Philippines may soon import Iranian apples as Tehran was “keen on bringing its produce to Philippine markets.”

Piñol said that he met last week with Ambassador Mohammad Tanhaei “to discuss the request of the Iranian government.”

“I’m still waiting for the results of a pest risk analysis [on samples of Iranian apples],” he said.

“[If everything turns out okay, rest assured that [the document on] importation of apples is ready for signing,” Piñol added.

The agriculture chief said Iran was also interested in shipping into the Philippines cherries, pomegranates and pistachios.

Further, he said Iran was willing to work with the Philippine government in research and development activities related to rice, biotechnology and modern farming.

For his part, Piñol chief said he requested a reduction of the tariff on Philippine bananas, on which Tehran collects a 24-percent levy.

Piñol said he told Tanhaei the DA was willing to help Iranian companies – which may be interested in business ventures related to bananas – identify possible sites for their prospective projects.

He added that other possible exports to Iran were pineapples as well as abaca, for which there is a “huge demand” in Iran as the latter is used in making tea bags and wellness products.

Piñol said he was planning to visit Iran this coming May, to explore cooperation in agricultural ventures and to lead Philippine delegations in agri-fishery trade shows.

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Iran is not among the list of the Top 20 destinations of Philippine exports nor of Top 20 sources of imports.

Iran is lumped together with “other countries” which receive a combined share of 5.5 percent Philippine exports and send in a combined share of 8.2 percent of Philippine imports.