The Philippines wants to enhance agricultural trade and cooperation with Sweden. This was relayed by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol to Ambassador Harald Fries of Sweden during the latter’s courtesy visit at the Department of Agriculture (DA) last April 18, 2017.   

Piñol noted that the DA is currently focusing on agricultural technological advancement and proposed for Sweden to engage in the Philippines, particularly on agricultural machinery, sophisticated water drilling equipment and modern communication equipment for farmers.

Pinol also indicated interest to join trade fairs to showcase Philippine organic agricultural products, liqueur and chocolate. Ambassador Fries added that Philippine mangoes would be very interesting in Sweden.   

“It is an exciting prospect to transport our mangoes, particularly those grown in Guimaras, to Sweden,” Piñol said.

Fries also mentioned that his government sees a lot of potential in the Philippines, particularly in trade and investment, research and development, and tourism.

Meanwhile,  Fries invited the Secretary to attend the United Nation Ocean Conference in New York, slated on June 5-9.

“The Philippines will be happy to attend and share our experience with other countries,” Piñol assured Fries.

Piñol noted that the conference corresponds with the DA’s program to rehabilitate our own waters. This includes a three-month fishing ban in different fishing areas in the country and the seeding of major river basins and lakes with fingerlings.

The Swedish Ambassador praised the DA Secretary for his initiatives in protecting marine resources. (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)

Reference:

International Affairs Division, DA
Contact No. 02-9292995/02-9201773