Iran Government To Buy Abaca, Fruit Products From The Philippines Under Duterte Admin

The Islamic Republic of Iran, long subjected to trade sanctions by the West, is now opening up its market to various agricultural products from the Philippines, especially Abaca and fruits.

Iran’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Mohammad Tanhael, informed Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during his visit to the Department of Agriculture office on Friday, January 13, that his country would like to buy more bananas, pineapple and Abaca from the Philippines.

The Agri Chief said Iran is currently buying its Abaca supply from a third country which also buys from the Philippines.

“We need a huge volume of Abaca for tea bags, security papers and bank notes,” Ambassador Tanhael told Sec. Piñol.

Furthermore, Sec. Piñol said Iran also would like to import more bananas and pineapple, including mangos, from the Philippines while also offering apples and nuts in exchange.

“The Ambassador said that Iran would be willing to provide the Philippines with synthetic rubber supply in exchange for its natural rubber in view of the country’s plan to establish its first Filipino-owned tire factory,” said Sec. Piñol.

“To realise these business engagements, the Department of Agriculture will be conducting an agricultural trade mission to Iran in May which I will head personally,” he added.

Source: DA.Gov