Visit of Philippine Agriculture Secretary Strengthens Agricultural Cooperation and Trade with Japan
Philippine Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr (center) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Philippine Pavilion in FOODEX Japan 2025 on 11 March 2025. Joining him were Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (4th from left) and officials of the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry.
TOKYO, 14 March 2025 – Philippine Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. concluded his three-day official visit to Japan, marked by meetings with Japanese policymakers, industry stakeholders, and engagements at FOODEX Japan 2025, Asia’s premier food and beverage trade show.
On 10 March, Secretary Tiu Laurel led a delegation composed of officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Embassy, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Tokyo in roundtable consultations with banana exporters and importers organized by the Office of the Agriculture Attache in Tokyo. The discussions centered on strengthening the Philippines’ position as the top banana supplier to Japan, enhancing quality standards, and addressing tariff concerns.
The banana industry plays a vital role in the Philippine economy, particularly in Mindanao, where the majority of banana farms and plantations are located. It generates an average of more than a billion US dollars in export revenues and provides livelihoods for over 700,000 Filipinos.
Japan remains the largest market for Philippine bananas, making it a critical trade partner in ensuring the industry’s sustainability and continued growth. As of 2024, fresh bananas from the Philippines hold a 75% market share in Japan. The Japan Banana Importers Association (JBIA) has consistently recognized Philippine bananas for their exceptional quality, citing the country’s close proximity to Japan, which ensures superior freshness and taste.
During the visit, Secretary Tiu Laurel met with Japan’s State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Hirofumi Takinami, and Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General and Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League Chairman Hiroshi Moriyama. The Secretary presented the Philippines’ proposal for a general review of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), emphasizing the need for a fairer trade environment amidst evolving global economic conditions.
Highlighting the banana industry’s broader impact, Secretary Tiu Laurel stated, “The banana industry is a lifeline for thousands of farmers and workers, especially in Mindanao, where it serves as a major economic pillar. The Philippines takes great pride in being the leading supplier of fresh bananas to Japan. To sustain and expand this industry, we must push for tariff reductions on our bananas. This will not only attract greater investment in banana production but also drive poverty alleviation, job creation, and security in Mindanao.”
Recognizing Secretary Tiu Laurel’s dedicated efforts in championing the industry, Victor S. Mercado Jr., Chairman of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), remarked that the banana industry has found a “new champion” in the Secretary.
Bananas were also a centerpiece in the Philippine Pavilion at FOODEX Japan 2025. Under the direction of the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) and Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), thirty-two (32) Filipino companies specializing in food, beverages, and ingredients showcased a diverse array of high-quality, export-ready products to the Japanese market. As FOODEX celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade partnerships and bringing world-class flavors to Japan’s discerning consumers.
On 11 and 12 March, Secretary Tiu-Laurel and his delegation engaged with officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the new project on rice postharvest modernization in the Philippines, and with representatives of Mitsui & Co Ltd to encourage more agri-based private-sector investments in the Philippines.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano underscored the importance of deepening economic ties, stating, “Secretary Tiu Laurel’s visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening agricultural trade relations with Japan. Through high-level discussions on market access and economic cooperation, as well as a strong presence at FOODEX Japan 2025, we continue to advance opportunities for Philippine industries and promote fair trade.”
Philippine Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. (center) and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (leftmost) met with Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General and Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League Chairman Hiroshi Moriyama on 11 March 2025 to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the robust agricultural trade relations between the Philippines and Japan.
Philippine Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Japan’s State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Hirofumi Takinami discussed Philippines-Japan agricultural cooperation during a meeting on 10 March 2025.
The Philippines’ display at the “New Products Plaza” of FOODEX Japan 2025.
