Marcos hopes PH durian reaches New Zealand markets

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is hopeful that Philippines' durian would be made available in New Zealand markets as the two countries are in negotiations for the exportation of the tropical fruit.

"We are talking about right now [with] our appropriate ministries. Ours is the Department of Agriculture for the Philippines and the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand. [They] are already in discussion on how to achieve this [durian export]," Marcos told Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

According to Luxon, the Philippines and New Zealand have already made good progress in various areas such as security, trade and economy. He is also hoping that pineapples would soon enter his country.

"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.

New Zealand earlier requested market access for its onions to the Philippines.

The Presidential Communications Office said consultations are ongoing between the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand, which are expected to be completed soon. — VDV, GMA Integrated News