March 20, 2024

 

Philippines eyes meat imports from Czech Republic

Philippines' President Bongbong Marcos announced plans for the Philippines to explore importing meat products from the Czech Republic, ahead of the visit of Czech agriculture officials and business delegates, The Philippine Star reported.

 

During his three-day state visit, President Marcos disclosed to Philippine media that exploratory talks between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its Czech counterpart are underway regarding the importation of livestock products.

 

Marcos focused on the potential for local production of imported products. He highlighted the importance of trade and technological exchange, noting the differences in agricultural practices between the two countries and the potential for acquiring new livestock technologies.

 

Representatives from the Czech Ministry of Agriculture are set to visit the Philippines next week to formalize the agreement, bringing expertise in areas such as avian flu and swine flu vaccines.

 

President Marcos mentioned Agriculture Secretary Laurel's visit to a cattle and dairy farm in the Czech Republic to explore applicable technologies for the Philippines.

 

The upcoming visit of the Czech delegation, initially scheduled for later this year, was expedited due to President Marcos's state visit.

 

The Czech Republic has expressed readiness to support the Philippines in the agriculture sector, as demonstrated during Prime Minister Petr Fiala's visit to Manila in April last year.

 

In February, the DA issued Special Order 152, authorising an inspection team to assess Czech meat products, in accordance with regulations outlined in Administrative Order 16 issued in 2006.

 

Last year, the DA lifted the ban on poultry imports from the Czech Republic following the containment of a bird flu outbreak in the European country.

 

-      The Philippine Star