US trade mission due in March

American agri-business companies remain keen on tapping the lucrative trade opportunities in the Philippines, one of the biggest export markets of the United States in Southeast Asia for agricultural products.

The United States Department of Agriculture is sending an agriculture trade mission to the Philippines and Malaysia from March 9 to 14 this year to explore ways to further boost the exports of American commodities.

In a statement, USDA Undersecretary Michael T. Scuse announced that the trade mission was part of their commitment to expand export opportunities for US grown commodities and American made products.

“In addition to meeting with buyers from Malaysia and the Philippines, participants will have the opportunity to meet with buyers representing Burma and Thailand who will join the mission in Malaysia,” Scuse said.

“Malaysia, the Philippines, Burma, and Thailand boast a total population of 262 million people. As members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), these countries are strong US trading partners,” he said. Amy R. Remo