The Philippines and Cambodia yesterday agreed to increase their cooperation on rice trade amid the current El Nino phenomenon that may impact local palay production.
The countries also agreed to expand flight connections between them to increase tourism traffic.
No specific rice volume was mentioned during the bilateral talks of President Marcos Jr. and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, that was held on the sidelines of the 50th Asean-Australia Special Summit, according to Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil in a statement yesterday
The Philippines is looking at Cambodia to supply rice as the country builds its inventory amid the El Nino.
The President said the Philippines needs to import to secure its rice inventory by exploring and strengthening its ties with other rice-producing countries like Cambodia.
Hun for his part hinted the possibility of increasing flight destinations from Cambodia other than Manila, such as Cebu. There are five flights between Cambodia and the Philippines via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Hun said Cambodia has just opened an airport in Siem Reap and will be opening another one in Phnom Penh next year.
The two leaders also discussed ongoing efforts of the Philippines on the avoidance of double taxation, ease of doing business, as well as the strengthening defense ties between the two countries to address mutual security concerns.
