The Malaysian government is hoping that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance partnership of Manila and Kuala Lumpur on agricultural trade and cooperation.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban and Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, Malaysia’s newly appointed ambassador to the Philippines, recently discussed how the two countries can enhance their partnership on agricultural trade and cooperation.
The officials expressed interest in building joint ventures that will encourage more trade and investment in Filipino produce such as meat and meat products, halal products as well as high value fruits and vegetables.
The parties also discussed potential collaborations on research and knowledge sharing in fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture and rubber industries.
Malaysia will host this year’s 45th Meeting of the Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF).
Furthermore, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the country’s agricultural exports to Asean-member countries in the first quarter amounted to $165.42 million or 5.8 percent of the total value of exports to the region.
Malaysia was the top buyer of agricultural exports from the Philippines worth $52.58 million or 31.8 percent of the total value of agricultural exports to Asean member countries for the period.