MANILA -- Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný is set to visit Manila next week eyeing to establish cooperation that would support the food security initiatives of the Philippines.

The visit is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s bid to expand cooperation with Czech Republic in terms of food security.

In a joint press conference, Czech President Petr Pavel said they will bringing with them a delegation of businessmen to show interest in investing in agriculture and other key sectors.

“Very soon our Minister of Agriculture shall visit the Philippines with a numerous delegation of our businessmen with specific, particular plans to offer,” Pavel said.

“We also have companies that are involved in defense industry, manufacturing, in farming and agriculture, science, technology, energy sector, power sector, many of these businesses do have a particular specific plans for the future cooperation with the Philippines come to part,” he added.

Minister Výborný will be meeting with Philippines’ Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and lead the business forum to be held in Makati on March 21.

The group will also be visiting Davao for a business forum and farm visit at the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc.(Tadeco) in Davao the following day.

The Czech Republic was one of the Philippines’ partner who provided assistance in analyzing and improving value chains in the Philippine dairy industry.

The Czech Aid-for-Trade granted the National Dairy Authority’s (NDA) proposal to fund the technical exchange of experts. This initiative was in line with the DA’s five-year program to raise the milk production in the country from one to 10 percent.

The NDA completed two projects in cooperation with the Czech Republic namely, the Expert Assistance on the in-depth Analysis of the Supply Chain of the Philippine Dairy Industry undertaken in 2018; and the Strengthening Capacities of Dairy Farmers and Extension Workers project undertaken in 2019. (PND)