On the sidelines of the Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The purpose of their meeting was to discuss ways to enhance rice trade between the Philippines and Cambodia, as well as address issues related to double taxation and improve the ease of doing business.
During their bilateral meeting, President Marcos emphasized the importance of revisiting the agreements between the two countries, particularly in the area of trade in agriculture, specifically rice. He recalled their previous conversation during his visit to Cambodia, where they had discussed the need to prepare for potential challenges such as droughts. Now that such challenges have become a reality, President Marcos stressed the urgency of addressing them.
President Marcos highlighted the lesson learned from the pandemic – the need for flexibility in looking at suppliers. He expressed his desire for the Philippines to increase its grain production. However, he acknowledged that this would require establishing connections and securing the country’s rice inventory from other rice-producing nations, including Cambodia.
In addition to boosting rice trade, President Marcos also assured Prime Minister Hun Manet that the Philippine government is committed to addressing the issue of double taxation between the two countries. Drawing from previous experiences with other Asian nations, President Marcos expressed confidence in finding a mutually beneficial solution.
The meeting between President Marcos and Prime Minister Hun Manet signifies the commitment of both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties and promote economic cooperation. By focusing on areas such as rice trade and double taxation, they aim to create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the growth of both economies.
The Philippines and Cambodia share a long history of diplomatic relations, and this meeting serves as a testament to their shared commitment to further deepen their partnership. By revisiting trade agreements and addressing challenges such as double taxation, both countries can unlock new opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
It is worth noting that the discussions between President Marcos and Prime Minister Hun Manet are taking place in the context of the Asean-Australia Special Summit. This regional gathering provides a platform for leaders from ASEAN member countries and Australia to discuss important issues and explore avenues for cooperation. The meeting between President Marcos and Prime Minister Hun Manet demonstrates the Philippines’ active engagement in regional affairs and its commitment to fostering stronger ties with its ASEAN neighbors.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Marcos and Prime Minister Hun Manet is a significant step towards enhancing rice trade between the Philippines and Cambodia. By addressing challenges related to double taxation and improving the ease of doing business, both countries can create a more favorable environment for economic cooperation. This meeting not only strengthens bilateral ties but also underscores the Philippines’ active role in regional affairs. As both countries work together to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities, they pave the way for a more prosperous future.
Source: The Manila Times
