Manila: The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) on Tuesday welcomed the imposition of the new minimum access volume (MAV) for imported pork as the Philippines continues to advance its food security targets.

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Order 116 allowed the increase of MAV for pork to 204,210 metric tons (MT) from 54,210 MT. The allocation of pork imports includes 120,000 MT for the Food Terminal, Inc. or the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, and 30,000 MT for processors.

In a statement, BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson expressed support for the administration's move as it helps mitigate the impact of food inflation and African swine fever. "We believe that an increase in MAV volume represents an important step toward strengthening the UK (United Kingdom) - Philippines bilateral trade and the country's overall food security efforts," he said.

Further talks on MAV allocation are welcome, considering that pork is one of the key commodities in boosting the agricultural trade relations between the Philippines and the UK, he added. "We remain open to further discussions on the revised increase of MAV, including the allocations, which we have been supporting since 2023," Nelson said.

The BCCP added that it remains committed to supporting the country's food security objectives by introducing high-quality British meat products, as well as sustaining long-term partnerships with Philippine importers and industry stakeholders.