RP Exports 300 MTs Of Hogs To Singapore
PHILIPPINES - The Philippines is set to export some 300 metric tons (MTs) of pork products to Singapore by June or July this year.During the opening of the 16th Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits held at SM Megatrade Halls, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap on Thursday said two Mindanao-based meat processors, Matutom Packaging and Nenita's, have signified intention of exporting pork products.
Yap said Singapore will source some of its pork requirements from the Philippines due to the foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD)-free status of the country.
Malaysia is currently Singapore's primary source of pork products. However, it is apparently experiencing some FMD contamination.
Yap said the Office Internationale de Epizooties (OIE) earlier declared the entire Visayas and Mindanao regions as FMD-free.
By May 2008, he said the OIE will issue its decision on whether to declare the entire country as FMD-free.
Yap said Nenita Quality Foods Corporation would make the initial shipment, after officials of Singapore's Agriculture and Veterinary Authority (AVA) already inspected its processing plant last year.
He said this would be the first time the Philippines would export pork products.
Aside from Singapore, Yap said the Philippines intends to export meat to China, Hong Kong and Japan.
He said that Mindanao could be the country's hub for pork exports.
According to Yap, Mindanao's comparative advantages as a top animal feed producer and ideal site for breeder farms and processing facilities would make it an ideal export hub for pork and processed meat products.
Source: Business.Balita.Ph