Let's explore meat export to South Korea

As we welcome South Korean president Lee Yung-Bak to the Philippines, we also ask that they consider trade agreements with our country.

The recent recognition and declaration of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) that the entire Philippines is FMD-free without vaccination is a fact that we should be proud of. We should explore boosting exports to South Korea, whose economic thrust is geared towards the industrial sector. We can fill their agricultural needs.

It would be cost-effective for our South Korean neighbors to import their meat from within East Asia rather than from across the globe. Given the fact that our meats are certified FMD-free should be a big selling point for us. Our livestock and meat agricultural subsector has been enjoying steady growth over the past few years. Should we be given access to the South Korean market, there will be tremendous cascading effect on our economy from the increased incomes of our farmers.