A RUSSIAN TRADE official called for exploratory talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines, expressing interest in importing Philippine electronics and banana products.
“I really hope that we can initiate the process of negotiations in this area during the JCTEC (Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation) in November,” Artyom Tsinamdzgvrishvili, trade representative of the Russian Federation to the Philippines, said at a forum last week.
The 5th meeting of the JCTEC will be held in Manila next month.
At present, Russian products imported to the Philippines include metals, wood, paper and pulp, meat, and pharmaceuticals.
Going the other way, the Philippines exports rubber, microelectronics, coconut oil, men’s suits, and juice extracts.
“Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines, can tap a much bigger share of Russian trade,” Mr. Tsinamdzgvrishvili said.
He noted opportunities to boost agriculture exports because Russia has no domestic equivalent to the Philippines’ leading cash crops.
In particular, Russia is looking to import fresh dried mangoes, pineapple, bananas, avocados, and calamansi.
Regarding Russia’s interest in electronics Mr. Tsinamdzgvrishvili said machinery accounts for 50% of all Russian imports.
Other products that the Philippines can export to Russia include coconut-made goods, seafood and seaweed, furniture and decor, and garments and fibers, he added.
Total trade between the Philippines and Russia amounted to $91.4 million in 2025. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz