Rice is the top staple food of Filipinos. (INQUIRER.net stock images)
MANILA, Philippines — Vietnam remains an important rice trade partner while the Philippines is still striving to achieve self-sufficiency in the staple, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday during his meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam.
Marcos said that the Philippines could benefit from Vietnam’s economic growth. A rice trade agreement is expected to be signed between Manila and Hanoi during his state visit.
“Now, we are strengthening our production. I hope it will slowly — no, not slowly, but will immediately rise. However, while we wait for that day, we are making a trade agreement with Vietnam to guarantee our rice supply in the Philippines,” Marcos said in Filipino.
READ: PH, Vietnam to sign pact to face sea row better
READ: PH, Vietnam urge compliance with Unclos in South China Sea
READ: Maritime ties among important topics to tackle in Vietnam — Marcos
Marcos said that the Philippines relied on Vietnam the most for rice.
He is in Vietnam for two days. While there, the President is expected to meet with Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng and other national leaders.