PHL, Turkey sign deals on agriculture, investments
THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday, Feb. 26, that the Philippines and Turkey have signed two bilateral agreements on agriculture and investment promotion during the inaugural meeting of the Philippines-Turkey Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation (PH-TR JCETC) in Ankara, Turkey on Feb. 5-6.
The purpose of the said meeting was also “to discuss opportunities for cooperation in defense industries, construction and consultancy services, shipbuilding and energy,” the DFA said in a statement. Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez led the Philippine delegation while the Turkish delegation was led by Defense Minister Nurretin Canikli.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena M. Sanchez and Mr. Canikli signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation that “aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in plant production and protection, agricultural research, fisheries, research in related fields and joint ventures between the private sectors, among others.”
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, who heads the Philippine Board of Investments (BoI), and Arda Ermut, President of Turkey’s Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) signed the MoU between their respective agencies.
The said agreement “aims to strengthen Philippines-Turkey ties through the exchange of best practices and information on investment environment and opportunities.”
Messrs. Lopez and Canikli “exchanged views on the economic situations in their respective countries, antiterrorism efforts in their respective regions, as well as prospects for MSME development and Islamic financing for the rehabilitation of Marawi.” The DFA likewise reported that Mr. Lopez “met with the Turkish Contractors Association (TCA) and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), where the Trade Secretary highlighted the Philippines’ economic performance, its strategic location in the (Pacific) region and the government’s Build, Build, Build program.” —