Philippines, China sign deals to narrow $15B trade gap

President Marcos welcomed China's commitment to import durian and other tropical fruits from the Philippines as part of efforts to narrow the trade deficit.

The 'Durian Protocol' involves finalizing phytosanitary requirements for exporting fresh durians to China, with both countries signing agreements on agricultural cooperation and other fields during President Marcos' state visit.

China's readiness to import more Philippine fruits is seen as a tangible result of the state visit and could help balance trade between the two nations.