30 May 2012- A three-member technical team from the Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), headed by Director Clarito M. Barron, visited Beijing to meet with officials from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China and discussed quarantine procedures and protocol on fruits imported from the Philippines last May 21 to 26.

 

The team was joined by officials from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, comprised of Agriculture Counsellor Victoriano B. Leviste, Commercial Counsellor Zafrullah G. Masahud, and First Secretary Ivan Frank M. Olea.

 

During the week-long visit, the delegation visited Waigaoqiao port in Shanghai and Dayaowan port in Dalian to observe the inspection and quarantine procedures of AQSIQ and tour their facilities.

 

The in-depth meetings provided the Philippine side with insights into China's phytosanitary and quarantine procedures and requirements. Both sides agreed to maintain open lines of communication to facilitate the entry of Philippine fruits into China.  The recently concluded meeting is an initial step towards regular policy consultations between the two offices aimed at ensuring mutual benefit for the two countries and increasing bilateral trade in agricultural products.

 

On the final day of the meeting, Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Alex Chua met with AQSIQ officials to express appreciation to the Chinese side for the excellent preparations made for the visit and hospitality extended to the Philippine delegation.