September 21, 2006

Philippine's Davao to explore closer cooperation with Indonesia's Sulawesi
 

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc is visiting Indonesia's Sulawesi ahead of a corn agreement that might see the region importing 6,000 tonnes of corn a month from Indonesia's region of Sulawesi.

A Davao chamber official said the group is leery of government restrictions as the Philippines is jealously protective of its bird flu free status. The government fears increased trade between the two countries would provide a conduit for the feared disease to the Philippines.

Officials are still working out details of the corn importation, the official said.

The Philippines has been optimistic of its poultry production and expects an increase in poultry export as bird flu continues to impede exports from other bird flu hit countries like Thailand.

However, promoting the poultry industry requires cheaper feed, which Sulawesi is able to provide. Hence, various agreements have been inked to promote trade and industrial co-operation in the hogs and poultry sector.

Davao is negotiating an import of 3,000 to 6,000 tonnes monthly from Indonesia to be used by Davao hog-farmers and poultry-raisers. Meanwhile, Davao City would export to North Sulawesi more than 158 tonnes of hog products, 152 tonnes of frozen poultry products and 111 tonnes of egg monthly.