The Philippines and Brunei forged an agreement that would strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries and boost trade.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism outlines collaboration on research, exchange of expertise, and market access promotion between the neighboring countries.
According to the DA, the MOU would take effect once both parties confirm compliance with their respective domestic procedures through diplomatic channels.
The agreement also comes at a time when bilateral trade tips in favor of Brunei, which had a $224 million trade surplus in 2024.
Under the MOU, areas of cooperation include livestock and poultry development, disease prevention, high-yield crop technologies, and downstream processing in agriculture and fisheries.
The DA noted that capacity-building efforts, such as joint training, technical visits, and the sharing of publications, studies, and technical data were also underscored in the MOU.
Both nations also committed to facilitating agrifood investment and trade through information sharing, especially in sanitary and phytosanitary standards and market access requirements.
The MOU also provides a framework for policy coordination and knowledge exchange, according to the agency.
The agreement employs mechanisms for protecting intellectual property, handling research outcomes, and maintaining confidentiality of shared information.
‘This agreement reflects the shared goals of the Philippines and Brunei, good neighbors in Southest Asia, to strengthen agri-fisheries systems and enhance food security through collaboration, innovation, and responsible development,’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
Both nations recognized that the MOU highlights long-standing diplomatic and economic ties, while laying the groundwork for mutually beneficial cooperation in the face of regional and global food system challenges.