‘PH, NZ in talks for durian exports’

Manila and Wellington are now in talks for the possible entry of durian exports into the New Zealand market, President Marcos said.

Mr. Marcos said this was brought up during his bilateral meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos on Friday.

“Our Department of Agriculture and the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand are already in discussion on how to achieve this [durian export],” he said.

Luxon noted the growing engagement between the two states in the areas of trade and economy.

Earlier, Wellington requested market access for its onions to the Philippines.

Malacanang said consultations are “expected to be completed soon.”

“I think on the economic front, we’ve talked about onions and pineapples. Pineapples are coming to New Zealand, onions [are] going to the Philippines, I hope. So, I think we’ve made some good progress there,” Luxon said.

On top of trade, Luxon cited the positive developments in Wellington’s engagement with Manila on education, security, as well as the political field.

The Philippines and New Zealand are working on elevating their diplomatic ties and are finalizing the Proposed Roadmap to Comprehensive Partnership 2024-2025.

Mr. Marcos said the two governments have been making “some good progress” on the roadmap’s text.

“The roadmap that’s being finalized now, we should have it ready by the 60th anniversary of [the] establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” he said.

“I think that’s well on its way. Quite frankly, there are no real obstacles. It’s just a question of finalizing the language,” Mr. Marcos added.

The Philippines and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on July 6, 1966 and will commemorate the 60th year of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in two years.

The two governments have bilateral agreements on defense and military, environment, labor, air services, law enforcement to combat transnational crimes, and work holiday scheme, among others.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philippines, New Zealand boost ties with partnership roadmap.”