Top News

THE government is considering to allow limited rice imports from Pakistan, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Thursday.

This will diversify suppliers and deepen trade partnerships beyond neighboring countries, he added, but noted one condition.

“The Philippines welcomes Pakistani rice, but we will limit imports strictly to what the country needs. We will not over-import. Food security comes first,” Tiu Laurel explained in a statement following a high-level meeting with a Pakistani delegation.

Pakistan has a rice production surplus and is offering to supply the staple, Tiu Laurel said, noting that the offer comes at a proper time since the Philippines is reviewing its sourcing strategy to avoid overreliance in single supplier.

But while he’s inclined to accept the offer, Tiu Laurel emphasized that all rice imports should be calibrated to the country’s needs and serve as a supplement, not as a substitute, to local production as it seeks ways to achieve self-sufficiency.

The country is still among the world’s top rice importers, forced to source it overseas to fill gaps in supply caused by rising demand, weather disruptions, and other challenges in the agriculture sector.

The government continues to look for reliable supply partners even as it strengthens its local production, the DA said.

Aside from rice, the two countries discussed other trade opportunities for several commodities.

Pakistan could help the Philippines meet its Indian buffalo meat requirements, Tiu Laurel said.

In turn, Pakistan wants to import more Philippine products such as coconuts, seaweeds, and fish, among others.

“This is about widening our engagement with countries that are not necessarily our neighbors, in the spirit of world trade and cooperation,” Tiu Laurel said.

Such partnerships can stabilize supply amid climate risks, market volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, the DA said, noting that its goal is to protect producers and consumers by balancing imports with domestic production efforts.

Rice imports from Pakistan would be subject to the government‘s sanitary and quality requirements and other regulations, the DA said. 

Source : msn