Ukraine Seeks Stronger Ties with PH, Southeast Asia in Agricultural Trade

Ukraine is seeking to strengthen its agricultural trade ties with the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The country's Ambassador to the Philippines, Yuliia Fediv, highlighted opportunities for expanded bilateral trade during a recent forum at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca).

Fediv noted that Ukraine is one of the world's major agricultural producers, often referred to as the breadbasket of Europe. Despite ongoing challenges due to war, Ukraine aims to sustain agricultural production and exports.

Ukrainian exports to the Philippines include wheat, sunflower products, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and meat products. There is also potential for increased imports of Philippine processed food products and tropical fruits into Ukraine.

The forum discussed regulatory issues, including food safety standards, as well as the role of digitalization in agriculture. Fediv pointed out that digital platforms developed in Ukraine have improved public services and streamlined transactions across sectors.