Phl eyes Green Expo gains

The Philippine government is looking to leverage its participation in Green Expo 2027 as a platform to strengthen agricultural innovation, sustainability and long-term economic security amid concerns over a possible global economic slowdown triggered by the ongoing energy crisis.

Manila has reaffirmed its commitment to join the international gathering, which will run from March 19 to September 26, 2027 at the Kamisaya Communication Facility, highlighting the event’s focus on nature, culture and sustainability.

The Philippines’ participation was discussed during a May 4 meeting between Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., where both sides agreed to pursue wider cooperation in agriculture, trade and innovation.

Laurel said the Expo would provide an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its initiatives on sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture while expanding high-value trade relations with Japan.

According to the agriculture chief, the global event comes at a crucial time when food security concerns and supply chain disruptions continue to affect economies worldwide due to geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks.

“Japan remains a critical partner. Philippine agri-fishery exports to Japan reached about US$1.1 billion in 2023, generating a US$990 million trade surplus for Manila. Japan is also (our) second-largest market for agricultural exports, with demand anchored on bananas, pineapples and fisheries products,” Laurel said.

He added that banana exports alone generated around US$760 million in 2023, underscoring the importance of agricultural trade ties between Japan and the Philippines.

Laurel also noted Japan’s growing support for Philippine agriculture through technology transfers, agricultural inputs and modern systems ranging from fertilizers to farm machinery, describing the partnership as a complementary trade relationship with strong long-term potential.

For his part, Ambassador Endo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in advancing sustainable agriculture and improving market access for local products. TRACY CABRERA