Gary Lising says he cannot hear all the din on Sabah, because he has a banana in his ear.

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We do not make light of The Charge of the Light Brigade or comment on foolhardy rushing in where government fears to tread.

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RP, US Resolve Trade Issues; Banana Exports Start In April.  -  Business news headline.

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Philip Shull, US agricultural counselor, said PH and US agriculture departments have resolved the sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues covering the entry of PH Cavendish bananas into the continental US.

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Shull said the first shipment of Philippine bananas is set in April this year.  There is no quota limit on banana exports; but PH must weigh the economics of shipping highly perishable goods over great distance.

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Why do we have the impression that the US agricultural attaché is just humoring our negotiators?

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ANG NAGIGIPIT, SA PATALIM KUMAKAPIT.  Bananas for the US market seem to be a desperate hope after the China market caved in over Nine Dashes.

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But are we chasing a mirage?  Bananas were a premium fruit in Japan until the early 60’s when we elbowed Ecuador out of the Japanese market because of our natural advantage on distance.

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THE REVERSE IS TRUE.  If it takes 20 days for Ecuador to reach Japan, it will also take 20 days for PH bananas to reach USA.

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PLAN B (?).  I am culling the following from 1991 despatch as Charge d’Affairs in Moscow and after visiting the Sakhalin (nee Japanese Kuriles):

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• Japanese and Korean traders are in Sakhalin. The island teems with sushi, sashimi and caviar.

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• Encouraged by economic liberalism, the local government is promoting trade. They are in need of tropical fruits and are prepared to pay in hard currency, but preferably in goods or on trilateral barter exchange.

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• Among Asean countries, PH is closest to Vladivostok and Sakhalin. From Manila, we have a lead of at least one day’s shipping time ahead of Bangkok, the next closest port.

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• A Filipino group that would have both the gumption and sustained interest to attempt it can open a new market.  Sakhalin/Vladivostok sectors are within six to seven days’ reach of any PH reefer boats. (Banana reefer boats need 15 days maximum journey).

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• From Sakhalin/Vladivostok, the bananas can trans-ship to any point of the former Soviet Union (Ukraine, the Baltic Countries and all the ‘Stans).  FEEDBACK: jaz_aide@yahoo.com