British Chamber hosts meat trade briefing with agri, horticulture dev’t board

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) hosted the Philippine-British Meat Trade Briefing & Reception in partnership with the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) on July 30, 2024. This event aims to reinforce the growing meat trade relations between the UK and the Philippines to ensure food security and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

The briefing featured speakers and panelists from the government, private sector, and delegation from the AHDB, namely: British Embassy Manila Deputy Head of Mission Alistair White, UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Agricultural Attaché Rickie Jennings, Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner Michael Fermin, CEI Cargo OPC CEO Dee Ledonio, Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA) President Emeritus Jess Cham, Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) Foreign Affairs and Special Concerns Consultant Jet Ambalada, AHDB Head of International Trade Development Jonathan Eckley and International Trade Development Manager Richard Gibson as moderated by the TradeAdvisors CEO Atty. Anthony Abad.

DA Undersecretary Savellano delivered a keynote message on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stating that, “This event is a proactive step in supporting the British Chamber's advocacy on easing inflation and ensuring the food security of the Philippines. As we all know, the global
 
agricultural landscape is rapidly evolving. It is through such initiatives that we can navigate these changes effectively by forging strong connections and exploring new market opportunities.”

The British Chamber has actively supported the quick passage of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act–which has similarly been noted as a priority legislation of the administration and is now awaiting signing into law. The act aims to safeguard the local market and consumers against smugglers, profiteers and cartels.

BCCP Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson stated that, “AHDB has been our trusted partner in terms of reinforcing the UK-Philippine meat trade