The Philippines government has outlined its plan to open up greater market access for its bananas to the key US market, as Philippines president Gloria Mapacagal-Arroyo continues her visit to the country this week.
According to reports in the Philippines, president Arroyo said that US agriculture authorities have pledged to speed up the processing of the banana pest risk analysis process, potentially allowing a greater volume of imported fruit from the Asian country.
'We are working for better market access for our bananas,' president Arroyo told local media this week.
As part of the national tour, president Arroyo is visiting New York and Chicago for business development meetings before flying back on Wednesday 5 August.
Additionally, the president's tour of the country is aimed at opening up the market for other products including textiles.
