In the hopes of creating a market for Philippine agricultural products in Singapore, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to hold a food agri-aqua trade show in the Lion City to meet potential business partners and explore business opportunities.
Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol expressed his intention to lead engagements for various market-oriented programs during a courtesy meeting with Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard HO Wei Hong on May 15, 2019.
“Singapore is like a second city for us Filipinos, and we want to further strengthen our trade relationship,” Piñol said.
Piñol said the department would like to take advantage of the country’s proximity to Singapore, where most available agri products are imported.
“We are looking into the possibility of exporting our pork and poultry products from the Southern Islands of Mindanao. You may also want look at the developments we’ve made for the high value products in Bukidnon,” Piñol said.
Aside from fruits and vegetables, Piñol said that the Philippines is ready to feature different food recipes and products produced from the Smart greenhouses.
“We want to pursue our earlier proposal to set up an agri-aqua show which also marks the 50th year of our diplomatic relation with Singapore,” he said.
Piñol said the trade show will help businessman find specific products to be imported and enable farmers to understand international standards.
“It will be easier for us, if we know the requirements that will meet your standard, including the type of packaging you need. We will adjust,” Piñol explained.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Hong told the agri chief that Singapore is seriously considering Philippines as a potential source for fruits and vegetables.
Earlier this year, a group of quarantine officers from Singapore visited the country to inspect local processing facilities and explore possible products.
“The safety of our food stock is very important,” Hong said.
A group of Singapore businessmen will visit the country from July to August for inbound business missions. ###(Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
