News Details

Israel Pushes Aquaculture Partnership to Strengthen Philippine Food Security

NPO

•

August 1, 2025

MANILA – Israel showcased its cutting-edge aquaculture technologies this week as Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat led a high-level trade delegation to the Philippines, highlighting how innovation-driven cooperation can help boost food security and climate resilience. Speaking at a Manila forum, Barkat underscored Israel’s success in developing advanced protocols for fish farming that have been adopted worldwide.

“We’ve learned how to domesticate sea bass, mullet, and soon even yellowfin and bluefin tuna,” Barkat said. “These protocols, developed in our southern research facility in Eilat, have transformed global aquaculture. Now imagine applying that expertise in a country with more sea than land.” He added that Israel’s aquatech sector extends beyond fish production, venturing into sustainable ocean-based food systems and sea vegetable farming. “This isn’t just about products—it’s about delivering solutions,” he emphasized.

Philippine Economic Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan echoed the need for deeper collaboration, backing calls for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Israel to open doors for technology transfer and investments. “The greater benefit would be innovation,” Balisacan said. “By opening up, we can attract entrepreneurs to establish plants, bring in the systems, and create technology that drives the economy forward.”

The agro-tech forum was part of a series of bilateral meetings where Barkat also met with Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Fredrick Go. Discussions focused on expanding trade channels, improving investment access, and implementing innovation-led strategies aligned with the Philippines’ economic reform agenda.

Barkat cited Israel’s economic resilience amid ongoing conflicts, noting that the country’s economy still grew by 1 percent in 2024 and is on track to expand by 3.4 percent this year. “By 2026, we expect to exceed 5 percent,” he said. The minister also proposed opening direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila to enhance business and tourism exchanges. “Only 14,000 Israelis visit the Philippines yearly compared to 270,000 going to Thailand. The difference? Thailand has two daily flights to Tel Aviv. Your beaches are world-class—Israelis would love to come for business and stay for leisure.”

The Israeli delegation, which included companies specializing in agrotech, aquatech, and foodtech, engaged with local industry leaders, many of whom expressed strong interest in expanding operations in the Philippines. “Beaches and holiness, import and export—there’s no doubt in my mind we are on the right track to strengthen this relationship for the benefit of both nations,” Barkat said.

NPO News Team

BM-News