Philippines strengthens agri trade with Australia, Chile

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines continues to improve its agricultural trade relations with Australia and Chile in a bid to strengthen the export of various products.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently attended the 4th Philippines-Australia Agriculture Forum in Canberra which resulted to the signing of the terms of reference on the electronic certificate exchange, a paperless exchange of export certificates.

It covers five product groups, namely edible meat, seafood, dairy, horticulture and grains.

Both countries also discussed the market access request for Philippine Cavendish bananas to Australia and the anti-dumping measure on Philippine consumer, food service and industrial pineapples.

The Philippines’ import protocol for breeder cattle and the proposal of Australia to use irradiation as a treatment measure were also tackled.

“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,” DA said.

Meanwhile, Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines José Miguel Capdevila Villarroel and Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol discussed the viability of exporting agricultural products from Chile to the Philippines and strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

Chile has proposed to draft a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines, as well as a legal framework that will serve as a guide in conducting foreign trading activities.

Piñol said the DA would look closely into the proposal, ordering an inspection team composed of experts from DA to verify the safety and quality of the production areas in Chile that will export agriculture commodities to the Philippines.

The team is set to visit Chile in the first quarter next year. Similar inspections in nearby countries such as Uruguay and Paraguay are also being considered.