PH, Argentina look to expand agri ties

More Philippine products are expected to penetrate the Argentinian market as the two countries explore ways to expand their ties in agriculture.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan met with his Argentinian counterpart Pedro Manuel Vigneau last week in Quezon City to convey the country’s interest to export various products to Argentina.

These include tuna, abaca, coconut-based products such as coco sugar and coco chips, and frozen and processed tropical fruits.

In response, Vigneau proposed to export livestock and dairy products to the Philippines, as well as forge cooperation on grain storage and drying technology.

“If we want to sell, we will also have to buy,” Vigneau was quoted as saying in a story published by the agency on its website.

Both countries are finalizing a memorandum of understanding that will establish a general framework for such trade agreements.

According to the official website of the Embassy of the Philippines to Argentina, both nations are expected to reach a milestone in the coming years after the two marked last year the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their formal diplomatic relations.