AgriTrade Relations with Australia and Chile being strengthened
In a bid to strengthen product exports, the Philippines looks into continuing the improvement of its agricultural trade relations with Australia and Chile.
Developments on Australian Agricultural Trade
Terms of reference on the electronic certificate exchange, a paperless exchange of export certificates, was signed between the Philippines and Australia. This was a result of the participation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the 4th Philippines-Australia Agriculture Forum in Canberra, Australia.
The agreement covers five product groups – edible meat, seafood, dairy, horticulture, and grains. In addition, the two countries discussed the market access request to Australia for Philippine Cavendish bananas. Also discussed were the anti-dumping measure on Philippine consumer, food service, and industrial pineapples; the Philippines’ import protocol for breeder cattle; and the Australian proposal of using irradiation as a treatment measure.
“The long-standing relationship of Australia and the Philippines has been significant and collaborative, particularly in agriculture cooperation and trade. While the trade balance in agriculture is largely in favor of Australia, both countries recognize the need to promote two-way trade,” said the DA.
Developments on Chilean Agricultural Trade
Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines José Miguel Capdevila Villarroel also discussed the viability of exporting Chilean agricultural products, as well as strengthening the trade relations between the two countries.
In line with this, Chile proposed to draft a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines, as well as a legal guiding framework for conducting foreign trade activities. Piñol said that the DA will assess the proposal.
The DA will also send an inspection team composed of experts to look into the safety and quality of the production areas where the Chilean agricultural commodities will come from. This visit is scheduled for the first quarter of 2019.
The DA is also considering similar inspections in Uruguay and Paraguay.
via Philippine Star
