The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has expressed confidence that the newly-signed deals between a Davao company and a Singapore-based firm will open more opportunities for various agricultural and food businesses in Mindanao.
“We were able to penetrate the Singaporean market during our business mission in early August, with the closed deal of a Davao company to import 140 footer container of pineapples to the country,” said Arturo Milan, PCCI area vice president for Mindanao, during Wednesday’s press briefer.
Milan noted that other business representatives from the 25-man Mindanao delegation managed to also introduce themselves well to the Singapore business community.
“We are hoping that the good impression or start of business with Singapore will be sustainable. This will just be the start as we know the country imports 96 percent of its food requirements,” he said.
The delegation was composed of 18 representatives from the private sector, six from non-government agencies, and one from the local government unit.
The party was convened by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, who also arranged for the meetings.
A trading agreement between the Davao-based fruit exporter Avante Agri-Products and Singaporean company Bananah & Co. PTE. LTD was signed during the investment mission early this month.
Avante Agri-Products will be supplying fresh and processed commodities to Bananah & Co. PTE. LTD, a wholesale seller of fruits and vegetables.
Initial products agreed for delivery are fresh pineapple and papaya, but will later include banana, durian, calamansi concentrate, and banana chips.
A minimum of one 40-footer container per week for both banana and papaya will be shipped to Singapore two weeks from the signing of the agreement.
MinDA said meetings leading to the partnership started in April when Bananah & Co. was sourcing for potential partners in Davao City.
Milan said some delegates have also sought partnerships with Singaporean suppliers of Halal merchandise to improve their Halal businesses in Mindanao. (PNA)
