PH AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS - A HIT AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE EXHIBITION (IAE) NAJU
30 October 2021, Seoul - The Philippines, through the Philippine Agriculture Office (PAO) in Seoul, participated in the largest biennial agriculture exhibition in Korea, the 2021 International Agriculture Exhibition (IAE), in Naju, Jeollanamdo from 21-31 October 2021.
Almost 60,000 guests came to visit the Philippine pavilion during the first four days of the 2021 IAE. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega led the Philippine food promotion during the 2021 IAE International Business Day, giving away fresh PH fruits to Korean consumers. “In celebration of the 72 years of Philippines and Korea relations, we are happy to share our deliciously fresh Philippine products to Korean consumers in this event. We thank the Jeollanamdo local government and the organizing team for always supporting the Philippines’ participation in the IAE,” said Amb. De Vega.
PAO collaborated with 28 Philippine agri-food export companies and three major fresh fruit importing companies in Korea namely Del Monte Fresh Produce, Dole Korea, and Sumifru Korea, to showcase a diverse range of PH agricultural products during the exhibition. It was also an opportunity for Philippine exporters to work with the Korean Importers’ Association (KOIMA) for online business matching with potential buyers. The Philippine Embassy is proud to showcase the best of Philippine food products and how these cater to the discerning taste of the Korean market. Of interest to consumers is the Philippines’ fresh okra, which recently gained market access to Korea and our Philippine bananas, which is among the major export products covered in the recently concluded negotiations on the Philippines-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement. The Philippines expects more robust agricultural cooperation with Korea once the agreement takes effect.
Aside from traditional fresh fruit favorites such as pineapples, papayas, and mangoes, the Philippine pavilion showcased new agricultural products appealing to the growing trend in Korea for organic and healthy food. Other offerings include the refreshing calamansi (or the Philippine lemon) extract, flavored pili nut products, vegan coconut by-products, turmeric items, tablea and chocolate products, pickled mangoes, tasty fruit and vegetable chips, and seafood products.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines’ participation in the 2021 IAE was a resounding success with Philippine agricultural products attracting the interest of the public and potential buyers alike. Business matching of participating PH agri-food companies were held online with interested major buyers such as Homeplus, LotteMart, CJ Freshway, Hyundai Shopping, Siwon International, among others.
Themed “Agriculture Changes the World! Dreaming of the future with smart agriculture,” the 2021 IAE is open to the public until October 31, 2021. The Philippine Embassy in Korea looks forward to future cooperation in business and agriculture between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in the future. END
CONCLUSION OF THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
The Philippine Embassy, led by H.E. Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega and Commercial Counsellor Jose Ma. Dinsay, attended the ceremony of the announcement of the conclusion of the negotiations of the Philippines and ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today, 26 October 2021.
The signing ceremony was done in hybrid format, with Philippine Trade Minister Secretary Ramon Lopez signing in Manila and ROK Trade Minister Yeo Han Koo leading the in-person signing ceremony in Seoul. During his remarks, Secretary Lopez thanked Trade Minister Yeo for his leadership and dedication to the PH-ROK FTA. The Philippines also credited the substantial conclusion of the PH-ROK FTA through the hard work and persistence of both sides’ negotiating teams.
Secretary Lopez added that both parties were able to achieve a mutually beneficial and a high level of liberalization on Trade in Goods which will stimulate trade and increase investments from Korea and vice versa. Secretary Lopez also thanked the ROK for accepting all of the Philippines’ proposals under the economic and technical chapter, especially on increased cooperation in public health emergencies. The FTA, together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, represents a more robust, resilient economic partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
In his congratulatory remarks, ROK Trade Minister Yeo Han Koo expressed deep appreciation for the hard work of trade negotiators for a timely conclusion of the PH-ROK FTA. According to Minister Yeo, negotiations were officially launched in June 2019, and since then negotiators worked tirelessly for a mutually beneficial outcome despite challenges posed by the pandemic.
Trade Minister Yeo also announced that the Philippines and Korea agreed on a higher level of market opening than the ASEAN-ROK FTA currently in place and the RCEP awaiting implementation. He expressed that with the PH-ROK FTA, “Korean people can enjoy Philippine bananas at low price with better quality.”
The PH-ROK FTA demonstrates both countries’ strong commitment to economic growth through industrial development and is expected to substantially expand trade and investment between the two countries, giving a much-needed boost to economic recovery and a way towards sustainable economic growth.
Both sides prepared an economic and technical cooperation chapter in the FTA covering a diverse range of areas, with ROK committing institutional support and capacity building in smart farms, film production, and e-vehicles. Clauses on public health emergencies, vaccine production, and climate change are also included in the PH-ROK FTA text, providing a solid foundation in response to new and emerging issues. Clinical trials on the production of vaccines and continued cooperation between PH-ROK defense industries are also in the pipeline through this FTA.
Trade Minister Yeo also greatly appreciated the support from Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, noting that, “Once a friend, always a friend, however, the Philippines is more than just a friend, it is a brother country.“ He also reiterated that the FTA will broaden the future for the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, paving the way for shared prosperity.
END
REQUEST FROM THE DOH FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS TO BE VACCINATED PRIOR TO THEIR TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The Philippine Embassy in Seoul wishes to share with the public the request of the Philippine Department of Health – Public Health Services Team (DOH-PHST) for ALL Overseas Filipinos planning to return to the Philippines for the holiday season to be fully vaccinated prior their trip to the country.
Vaccination is the cornerstone of our country’s response to prevent the further transmission of the disease. Through the collaborative efforts of our national government agencies, local government units, and in partnership with the private sector and our citizens, the Philippines has continuously strengthened its fight against COVID-19.
The Embassy likewise wishes to remind all incoming travelers to the Philippines to register through the One Health Pass website (https://onehealthpass.com.ph/) prior to their departure.
Thank you for your usual cooperation and compliance. END
25 October 2021
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