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Wallace Ruzvidzo Herald Reporter

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has expressed interest in strengthening relations with Zimbabwe especially in the agriculture sector, in yet another show of confidence in the Second Republic’s governance.

The registered intent by President Marcos is further testament that Zimbabwe’s diplomatic offensive under the engagement and re-engagement drive is bearing fruit and that indeed Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none.

Speaking after receiving credentials for Zimbabwean non-resident Ambassador-Designate to the Philippines Constance Chemwayi, President Marcos said Harare and Manila had common interests as they were both prioritising agriculture.

“Like you, we are prioritising agriculture. And in fact, it is both the supply and the price of agricultural commodities. And with that, we talk not only about products, but even the inputs such as fertiliser.

“I think we are all undergoing that,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos said he was hopeful that the two countries can collaborate closely for the mutual benefit of both peoples.

“So, I hope that we can find a way. We happen to have a very well-developed research and development and schools that have been actually the premier schools for agriculturists and agronomists here in Asia,” he said.

He expressed interest in collaborating in other areas other than agriculture.

“I hope that we will find many things to explore,” he said.

“I hope that your coming today will be the beginning of that close ties.”

Ms Chemwayi said Zimbabwe was committed to partnering countries that would aid in Zimbabwe’s attainment of an upper-middle-income society by 2030.

The call by President Marcos comes as a major lift to Zimbabwe’s diplomatic footprint.

Major agricultural systems in the Philippines include lowland irrigated farming, rainfed farming and upland farming.

Irrigated farm areas mainly grow rice and sugarcane whereas rain-fed areas are planted with coconut, corn and cassava.

The Philippines’ major agricultural products include rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, and mangoes.

Within manufacturing, mining and mineral processing, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, electronics, and semiconductors are the focus areas.

The Philippines is one of the most attractive pharmaceutical markets in the Asia-Pacific region.