The state visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to China has marked the strengthening of China-Philippines relations. Aside from businessmen, Filipino farmers can also benefit from this relationship.
It can be recalled that last March, around 35 tons of Philippine bananas have been destroyed in Shenzen, China, and a ban has been imposed on importing bananas from the Philippines.
With the strengthened China-Philippines relations, the import ban has finally been lifted and Filipino farmers can export not just bananas, but other fruits as well.
China has improved its trade cooperation with the Philippines and eight Chinese companies have already signed new trading contracts.
With these contracts, Filipino farmers will earn more money. There is a high consumer demand for Philippine fruits in China so Filipino farmers can sell their products at a good price.
According to Wu Zheng Ping, director general of Asian Affairs of China's Ministry of Commerce, China will start to import around 100,000 tons of Philippine fruits including bananas, pineapples, coconuts, dragon fruit and mangoes.
Director Wu has assured that Chinese companies will import more Philippine fruits, especially from Mindanao. He also stated that Filipino farmers sell their products at a low price due to a poor logistic system which the Chinese government is willing to help improve.
He said that the Chinese government has encouraged Chinese companies to invest in infrastructure projects in the Philippines such as ports, railways, and highways to improve the product logistics in the country.
With better roads, it would be faster and easier for the Filipino Farmers to import their products. There would be lesser product damages and definitely, better income and a better life for the Filipino farmers.
Aside from fruits, China is also expected to import seafood from the Philippines such as crabs, shrimps, prawns and tuna.
The improved China-PH alliance is expected to improve not just trade agreements but also tourism and other business investments.