May 25, 2007

Philippine eyes pork exports to Japan, US, EU, Russia

The Philippines is looking at the possibility of exporting pork and pork products to Japan, the US, the European Union, Russia and other Asian countries starting this year, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Thursday (May 24).

"We are looking at Japan, which is the world's top meat importer, as another major market for our meat exports," Yap said.

The Philippines currently does not export pork or pork products to any country.

In addition to Japan, the department is also working on exporting pork and pork products to the US, EU, Russia and other Asian countries, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, said Yap.

The Philippines' bid to export pork and pork products follows complete eradication since late 2005 of the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease.

The country is now awaiting official certification by the Paris-based Office Internationale des Epizooties of being free of foot-and-mouth disease.