Press Release
October 26, 2012

PIMENTEL HAILS NZ DAIRY AID TO PH

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP Laban President, today commended the New Zealand government for offering $5-million in assistance for the development of the Philippine dairy industry in the next five years.

"The offer of aid to develop the Philippine dairy industry is most welcome. A vibrant dairy industry would not only help the economy as a whole but also contribute significantly to the health and welfare especially of growing children," Pimentel said.

Prime Minister John Key announced the aid to Manila after meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Parliament building in Wellington, New Zealand in the course of the latter's recent state visit.

Key said they will work with the Philippines to help establish its own dairy industry "which is currently small."

The senator said the NZ aid would boost efforts of the national government to spur countryside development, particularly in areas with wide grazing lands.

Pimentel said the NZ aid could help farmers earn additional income as they could branch out into dairy production and supply the local market with milk and milk products.

At the same time, Pimentel, who hails from Mindanao, urged other foreign governments as well as investors to look into opportunities especially in Mindanao since the recent framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front offered the prospect of lasting peace needed to propel socio-economic development.

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