The Filipino Government plans to request a relaxation of Australia's 'stringent' banana quarantine laws that have barred imports from the South East Asian country since 2009, website Gmanews.tv reported.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo said he had travelled to Australia earlier this month with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, the story reported.

DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo

"Australia has certain standards that the Philippines is unable to meet. But maybe these standards can be relaxed so we can get closer to them," he was quoted as saying.

"There is also a strong resistance to the entry of Philippine bananas from the Australian banana industry on quarantine grounds. This resistance has found support from the Australian government itself."

Australia's banana quarantine standards include demands for non-perforated plastic bags and bunches with eight leaves.

Related stories: Filipino banana growers call for Australian understanding

Australia won't relax standards on Filipino banana imports

Photo: APEC

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