Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. met with US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson to discuss ongoing agricultural trade initiatives between the United States and the Philippines.

During the courtesy visit, Amb. Carlson informed the Secretary of the upcoming Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines set on March 11-12, 2024. The said mission aims to enhance U.S. companies’ investment in the Philippines’ innovation economy, particularly its clean energy transition and critical minerals sector, and the food & nutrition security of its people.

For his part, Secretary Tiu Laurel  relayed the priorities of the Philippine government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.  for the agri-fishery sectors, specifically in the areas of postharvest management, irrigation, and infrastructure which include but are not limited to water-impounding projects, tramline systems, farm-to-market roads, livestock feeds, among others. ### (photos by Jay Morales, DA-OSEC)