The Philippine industry will hold the inaugural Mindanao Banana Congress later this week, which aims to set a roadmap for an industry still struggling with the fallout of the Chinese trade dispute begun earlier this year.
Around 500 delegates are expected at the conference, which will be held in Davao City on 7-8 November. The event is being organised by the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc (PhilExport), with support from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Some of the topics up for discussion at the conference include linkages between buyers and suppliers, government support programmes, industry growth and development, as well disease issues, traceability and phytosanitary standards, reported the Manila Bulletin.
“This is an event that shows how important convergence is between the government and private sector especially in achieving industry growth and development,” said DTI’s regional director Marizon S Loreto.
The development of new export markets for Philippine bananas is also high on the agenda for the country’s industry, and Loreto said the government had been looking at opportunities in Russia, Scandinavia, Canada, the Middle East and other ASEAN countries.
