MANILA — The Philippines and Brunei Darussalam have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in agriculture and fisheries, reinforcing both countries’ shared goals of achieving regional food security, sustainable development, and stronger agrifood trade.

The agreement was signed between the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) and Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) meeting held in Pasay City. It builds upon a Letter of Intent signed by both parties in May last year.

Under the MOU, the two Southeast Asian neighbors will cooperate on research, expertise exchange, and market access promotion, focusing on areas such as agrifood trade, agro-biotechnology, aquaculture, livestock and poultry development, disease prevention, high-yield crop technologies, precision agriculture, and downstream processing in both sectors.

The agreement also emphasizes capacity-building initiatives, including joint training programs, technical visits, and the exchange of studies, publications, and technical data.

To further drive regional trade, the MOU commits both sides to engage the private sector by facilitating agrifood investment and trade, especially through information sharing on sanitary and phytosanitary standards and market access requirements.

The deal also establishes a framework for policy coordination and knowledge exchange, including provisions for intellectual property protection, handling of research outcomes, and maintaining the confidentiality of shared information.

“This agreement reflects the shared goals of the Philippines and Brunei, good neighbors in Southeast Asia, to strengthen agri-fisheries systems and enhance food security through collaboration, innovation, and responsible development,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

Officials from both nations underscored that the new MOU reaffirms long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the Philippines and Brunei while establishing a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation amid ongoing regional and global food system challenges.

The MOU will take effect once both parties confirm compliance with their respective domestic procedures through diplomatic channels.

Bilateral trade between the two countries remains robust, with Brunei posting a USD224-million trade surplus over the Philippines last year.