Philippines, Cambodia agree on agri collaboration

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will collaborate with Cambodia for various developments in the agriculture sector.

The Department of Agriculture and Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries recently held its first meeting for the Joint Technical Working Group in Agriculture and Agribusiness Cooperation.

“The joint bilateral meeting highlighted the progress of cooperation activities of both sides and has set the pace and priorities of future collaboration,” the DA said.

Representing the Philippines was Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-fishery Mechanization Ariel Cayanan while Cambodia was represented  by Undersecretary of State San Vanty.

Based on the agreement, the Philippines will help in the conduct of trainings on quality assurance system of fish and fishery products, pesticide residue analysis in agri-food products and agri-food product quality and safety management system.

The Philippines also expressed its interest to export meat and meat products to Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Cambodia is considering the possibility of renewing the memorandum of agreement on rice trade and the proposal on black pepper germplasm exchange.

Cambodia is  urging the Philippines to invest in its agriculture sector and enjoy investment incentives.

Both countries agreed to come up with the results ahead of the second meeting, which is set to be hosted by the Philippines in the third quarter of 2019.