British chamber bucks MAV suspension
THE British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) said the suspension of the minimum access volume (MAV) was not ideal as the country still needed pork imports due to the impact of the hog disease on domestic supply.
“In that context, we would not wish to see a suspension of MAV,” BCCP Executive Director and Trustee Chris Nelson said in a statement on Monday.
“As we’ve discussed on previous programs, pork supply has been impacted locally due to the African swine fever, and there’s definitely a need to further continue pork imports,” he added.
The BCCP released the statement as there were reports that the Department of Agriculture (DA) was reviewing plans to suspend the MAV on pork and corn to curb the country’s agricultural imports.
It added that the MAV suspension could affect the domestic supply and prices and the country’s existing trade agreement with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The chamber, meanwhile, expressed support for extending reduced tariffs as per Executive Order 50 for agricultural products like pork to boost local supply and address inflation concerns.
“We are very strong supporters of the extension of the Executive Order [50]; we believe strongly that allowing pork to come at lowered tariff rates is a help for inflation and food security,” said Nelson.
According to the BCCP, one of the keys to strengthening the local agricultural sector is the passage of the AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The chamber said they remained optimistic about its passage as it would help ensure a stable food supply and help fight inflation.
Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted it as one of its top 20 legislative priorities. The proposed bill imposes harsh penalties for illegal activities such as smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and forming cartels within the agricultural and fishery sectors.
The bill amends Republic Act 10845, also known as the “Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016,” and will impose stricter penalties.
It also aims to protect consumers against economic manipulation, preserve farmers’ livelihoods, and improve tax and duty collection.
“Its passage remains part of the BCCP 2024 wish list to reinforce a stronger agricultural sector in the Philippines with increased collaborative efforts with the Department of Agriculture, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and other concerned agencies,” said BCCP.
Also, the British chamber supports the DA’s effort to establish a technical working group to help amend RA 10845.
“We hereby acknowledge the role of agriculture in the Philippine economic growth, and we look forward to the Bicameral Conference and, therefore, the passage of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act,” said Nelson.