As stated in the agreement, the trade department’s role is to include the Pangasius fish fingerlings among its “flagship projects” both for local consumption and export, writes Rizalene P. Acac for the MindanoTimes.
According to the news agency, it is also tasked to promote opportunities in growing the fish to farmer-growers; fish processors/exporters; buyers and other interested sectors.
The government agency will provide assistance for market development, trainings and seminars, market research and trade negotiations as well as oversee the implementation of programs and projects and even allocate finances to sustain the programs.
Sarmiento said the country could not entirely compete with the 93-percent captured market of Vietnam but other aspects could be explored to strengthen the Pangasius production in the country. “We can produce the Philippine organic Pangasius then we can compete,” he added.
Philippines Agree on Direction of Pangasius
PHILIPPINES - A memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed among Mindanao stakeholders at the closing day of the Mindanao Investment Conference yesterday to champion the production of Pangasius, the newest fish species in the aquaculture industry introduced to the country last year.