Leading the Philippine delegation was BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D, alongside staff from the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) and the Plant Product Safety Services Division (PPSSD). The South African delegation headed by Her Excellency Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, the South African Ambassador to the Philippines, Assistant Director for International Trade Promotions Gloriah Ramabulana, Counsellor Ms. Chantelle Naidoo, and Trade, Tourism, and Marketing Officer Ms. Ellen Vega. Also present in the meeting were export companies, biosecurity experts, market access consultants, and key diplomatic figures.
During the meeting, Director Panganiban welcomed the South African delegation and hoped that the meeting would foster collaboration, facilitate trade, and strengthen bonds between the two nations. He also emphasized the role of BPI through the NPQS in safeguarding the Philippine plant industry by promoting biosecurity measures and conducting pest risk analyses. The PPSSD, he noted, plays a crucial role in ensuring that imported commodities meet food safety standards.
Among the topics discussed were:
1. Market Access for South African Table Grapes
2. Pest Risk Analysis for Apples and Pears
3. Philippine Market Access Requests (Fresh Mangoes and Bananas)
Her Excellency Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe expressed her optimism for the approval of the DA Memorandum Circular for table grapes and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to food safety and pest risk management. “We welcome collaboration and the sharing of technology and research, not just to trade but to advance the health benefits of these commodities for the people from both countries,” she said.
The meeting concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to fostering strong trade relations and agricultural cooperation for the benefit of their respective industries and economies.
#BagongPilipinas
#ParaSaMasaganangAgrikultura
(100924-17)