February 14, 2007 

Philippines may export meat products to Singapore by mid-year

The Philippines is likely to start exporting pork and poultry meat products to Singapore by the middle of this year, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Wednesday.

"We're eyeing an initial shipment of about 200 tonnes," Yap told reporters.

Singapore's decision to buy Philippine meat products follows a successful eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in the country for more than a year now, Yap said.

The Philippines has also managed to remain free of the dreaded highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has afflicted many of its Asian neighbors, he added.

The chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry Davinio Catbagan said earlier that the Philippines was in the process of finalising discussions with Singaporean veterinary executives.

In addition to Singapore, other possible export markets for Philippine meat products include China and South Korea.

Philippine poultry producers already export chicken parts to Japan.