The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) said they have identified animal health, dairy development, farm mechanization, organic and regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient agricultural practices as potential areas of cooperation.
In a statement issued by the DA after a meeting with the council last week, EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey also highlighted his organization's ongoing involvement in ASEAN through the Health Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the annual Sustainability Summit hosted by its Philippine chapter.
They reaffirmed the Council's commitment to building partnerships with rural communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture, and supporting the conclusion of an EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement.
Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro was quoted as saying: “This cooperation between the Philippines and the EU-ASEAN Business Council will continue to enhance productivity, competitiveness and food security not only in the Philippines but in the entire Southeast Asian region.”
Mr Navarro also noted the active participation of the EU-ABC in the 47th ASEAN Ministers' Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting and its interest in supporting the economic delivery of ASEAN's 2026 Priority on Implementation Plan for Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture.
The Philippines is set to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
