Malaysia and the Philippines have strengthened their ties through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focusing on joint agricultural development. The MOU delves into fostering development in areas such as palm oil, rubber, and other agricultural commodities.
Facilitated by the ASEAN Business Advisory Councils of both nations, the partnership aims to establish joint research initiatives and mentorship programs. These will be centered on enhancing agricultural practices and identifying trade and investment opportunities related to these commodities in Malaysia and the Philippines. It also extends to areas like agri-tech, food security, entrepreneurial agricultural models, and value chain progression. In the long-term, the collaboration is geared towards identifying business opportunities in palm oil, rubber, fruits, poultry, agricultural technology, and other agricultural products and services of both nations.
Drawing inspiration from the Philippines’ Go Negosyo’s Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program (KALAP), the joint development will look to integrate small-scale farmers into larger corporate supply chains. This integration is seen as a pathway to achieve more inclusive and sustainable farming practices, granting farmers access to advanced technologies and the benefits of mass production.
Specifically, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has disclosed plans for an imminent Joint Commission meeting with the Philippines scheduled for October. Anticipations are high for the formalization of several MOUs during this meeting, particularly in the agrifood and halal sectors.
(Sources: Bernama, Tribune)
