by Federico C. Ealdama, NN Dillera

Koronadal, South Cotabato (3 October) -- The North Cotabato Fruit Growers attended a capability building on the basics on exporting on September 22, 2006 at National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC), Davao City.

This was attended by members of the Kidapawan Fruit and Vegetables Growers Multi Purpose Cooperative, M'lang Pummelo Growers Association, Midsayap Mango Growers Association, Department of Trade and Industry and Local Agriculture Office.

Point persons from DTI, Bureau of Customs, Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry as well as representative from private custom broker and forwarder provided briefing on each agency's concerns regarding exportation of fruit products to European Countries other importing countries. It also enabled the fruit grower's access to vital information on the documentations, process flow and regulatory requirements, fees and standards in exporting fruits from North Cotabato.

This is in response to the commitment of the local fruit growers with the Agricultural Attaché, Ms. Ana Abejuela, from the embassy of the Philippines to Belgium and Luxembourg and a European Union Filipino based importer from Brussels, Ms. Loiuse Baterna. Initial arrangement as to the packaging and standards requirements of tropical fruits made through correspondence by DTI Cotabato with the importer.