Philippine Ambassador, São Tomé Agriculture Minister Discuss Strategic Cooperation in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security

19 February 2025, São Tomé – Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes and São Tomé and Príncipe’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development, Nilton Garrido de Sousa Pontes, met today and discussed potential areas for bilateral cooperation, with a focus on agriculture, fisheries, and food security.

Ambassador Cortes highlighted the Philippines' interest in strengthening agricultural ties with São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in the areas of cocoa production and rice farming. He emphasized the importance of agriculture in the Philippines, where it employs nearly 25% of the population, and how it plays a key role in ensuring economic stability and alleviating poverty, particularly in rural and remote areas.

On areas of cooperation, Ambassador Cortes shared that the Philippines is eager to exchange knowledge and best practices with São Tomé and Príncipe and to learn from São Tomé's experience in cocoa cultivation. Minister Pontes expressed interest in the Philippines' cocoa production, with Ambassador Cortes noting that, while limited to around 2,000 metric tons per quarter, cocoa is a growing sector in the Philippines, particularly in the Davao Region.

Minister Pontes shared São Tomé and Príncipe's longstanding experience in cocoa cultivation and its robust cocoa cooperatives, which play a central role in both production and sale. He suggested that a reciprocal exchange of technical expertise between the two nations would benefit both countries' cocoa industries.

The discussion also touched on the fishing sector, where Ambassador Cortes noted that the Philippines has expertise in being an archipelagic nation. Minister Pontes expressed interest in setting up a fish processing industry in São Tomé and Príncipe and invited Filipino investors to consider establishing a processing unit. The Minister further noted that São Tomé and Príncipe's vast maritime territory presents an untapped potential for fish production, yet there is a current reliance on European Union vessels to fish in the country’s waters.

The two officials also discussed Sao Tome’s challenges in the local chicken production sector, particularly the high costs of imported animal feed and the need for support in this area. Ambassador Cortes expressed willingness to engage with relevant stakeholders in the Philippines to explore potential solutions.

Ambassador Cortes and Minister Pontes agreed to explore further cooperation, including developing MOUs for sharing agricultural knowledge and creating opportunities for technical exchanges. Minister Pontes also emphasized the importance of fostering business opportunities in fisheries, food production, and other sectors. END