By Tribune 

Growing Agriculture Export Momentum

The Philippines is strengthening agricultural engagement with Türkiye to expand trade in poultry, seafood, and tropical products while advancing halal-certified feed production. Talks between the Department of Agriculture and the Turkish Embassy highlighted food security priorities and new market access for high-value Philippine exports.

Trade Performance Signals Opportunity

Bilateral trade has shown sharp gains, with Philippine exports to Türkiye increasing from USD 16.8 million in 2021 to USD 42.2 million in 2024. A USD 16.0 million surplus recorded in the first half of 2025 was driven by coconut-based products, carrageenan, tobacco, and protein concentrates. Officials are now promoting bananas, pineapples, tuna, and premium fruits such as avocado, durian, papaya, and dragon fruit.

Halal Feed Hub Vision

The Philippines aims to position itself as a regional hub for halal-certified feed by combining domestic corn supply with Türkiye’s expertise in feed formulation. Turkish officials emphasized plant-based feed standards without animal by-products and introduced the Waqf fund model to support agriculture through Islamic social finance.

Institutional Dialogue Advances Cooperation

Discussions involved senior Philippine agriculture officials covering livestock, halal development, and Mindanao-BARMM concerns, alongside representatives from key regulatory agencies. The Turkish delegation was led by Ambassador H.E. Niyazi Akyol, signaling strong diplomatic backing for expanded cooperation.

Poultry Standards Build Trust

Philippine authorities highlighted strict biosecurity measures and science-based regulations in poultry production, reinforcing the country’s reliability as a trade partner in halal-compliant markets.

Capacity Building Investment Support

Cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency included equipment support for farmers, joint training programs, agricultural scholarships, and research collaboration focused on sustainability and climate resilience.

Complementary Strengths Drive Future Growth

Both sides recognized natural synergies: Türkiye contributes halal standards, poultry expertise, and financing models, while the Philippines offers tropical agriculture, fisheries, and feed production capacity. These strengths are expected to underpin long-term agri-trade expansion based on shared standards and mutual investment.

Original Article:

The Tribune. (2025). Philippines, Türkiye strengthen Agri trade and halal ties. The Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2025/11/08/philippines-türkiye-strengthen-agri-trade-and-halal-ties