PH eyes China as export market for milkfish

MANILA – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that the Philippines may soon find another export market in China for milkfish or bangus.

The country currently exports the fish to the United States and several European countries.

In 2018, the Philippines exported nearly 15,000 metric tons of fish and other seafood products to China, worth nearly $53.5 million or about P2.7 billion.

BFAR undersecretary Eduardo Gongona said the Philippines recently completed bilateral talks with China to strengthen fisheries cooperation between the two countries.

“Ang laki ng potential ng bangus. First, gustong gusto natin ang taste niya, tasty siya eh,” he said.

“Gustong gusto natin ito, so why don’t we introduce to other countries? And China is a very big market.”

Pangasinan is the top bangus producer in the country, with 98,000 metric tons in 2018. The province hosts the annual “Bangus Festival” in Dagupan.

Gongona noted that the Philippines is 140 percent bangus sufficient, giving it tremendous export opportunities.

BFAR plans to install 300 fish cages in every region this year. Each fish cage could produce 40 metric tons of bangus each harvest. (GMA News)