The Philippine government has approved fresh citrus imports from Argentina, including oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit, Argentina's National Food Quality and Safety Service (Senasa) announced.

The first citrus shipment has already been inspected by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI-PQS) and sent to the Asian nation, according to Senasa.

Negotiations to open the market had been ongoing since 2011 and were finalized this month.

Leading up to the final approval, Philippine officials visited packing houses and production facilities in the Argentine provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Misiones and Tucumán.

The trip also included visits to government facilities and a sea port where a final work plan was made.

Filipino ambassador Rey Carandang recognized the agreement as a benefit in fulfilling food demand in his home country.

Further negotiations are in process to export fresh grapes, pears and apples from Argentina to the Philippines. Dried mangoes and banana chips are also under consideration to be exported from the Philippines into Argentina.

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