The Philippines and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to commit on the renewal of their bilateral cooperation.
The MOU, signed in Seoul, South Korea on June 11, 2024 during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations, elevates bilateral collaboration and unlocks new opportunities for sustainable agricultural development, food security and economic growth.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. and Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) Song Miryung signed the MOU and underscored the mutual benefits of working together.
Tiu Laurel expressed optimism about leveraging the MOU to pursue new technical projects and secure market access for key Philippine agricultural exports, such as calamansi and poultry products, in the Korean market.
The MOU signing builds on the strong foundation established since the creation of the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul under agriculture attaché Aleli Maghirang in 2016.
Tiu Laurel noted the milestone of exporting Hass avocado fruits and fresh okra from the Philippines in 2023 and 2021, respectively.
The DA also inaugurated the Philippine pavilion at Seoul Food Expo 2024, which showcased products from the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association and a delegation of DA agribusiness exporters.
The agency also held meetings with the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) and potential investors for a broader collaboration in the agricultural sector.
