September 19, 2006

 

Philippines to grow poultry exports, with focus on Japan

 

 

The Philippines is expecting a further rise in its poultry exports this year and intends to target Japan as its primary export market, the country's Department of Agriculture said in its report Friday (Sep 15). 

 

The Philippines voluntarily banned poultry exports to Japan after it took anti bird flu measures against a suspected case which later turned out to be a false alarm.

 

Other markets the Philippines is looking at include China, Malaysia, Singapore and Europe, the report said.

 

The report added the Philippines is one of the few countries in Asia which has remained free of bird flu so far.

 

Last month, more than 6,000 blood samples and more than 1,800 cloacal swabs the Bureau of Animal Industry collected from birds all over the country tested negative for the bird flu virus.

 

In 2005, the country exported US$7 million worth of frozen and semi-processed chicken, including duck meat and eggs, to Asian countries.

 

The Department of Agriculture said poultry production is a top priority of the Arroyo administration.

 

The Philippines last week signed a trade pact with Japan, which was expected to boost farm exports to Japan starting next year. 

 

The Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership, or JPEPA, is expected to greatly benefit the local agriculture sector, as it would allow the introduction into Japan of various farm products, including pork.

 

The agreement also provides tariff elimination and reduction on products such as poultry and marine products.