MALAYSIA — The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) sees further growth in the rubber sector in the Philippines says the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia.
According to the embassy, this was disclosed by Dato’ Dr. Kamarul Baharain Basir, ANRPC’s secretary general, during a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador-designate Jose Eduardo Malaya on October 7.
ANRPC cited Zamboanga and Basilan as conducive to rubber plantation because of their natural conditions.
“If the full potential of the natural rubber plantation in these areas is fully harnessed, it could contribute significantly to sustainable development and peace and order in Mindanao,” Malaya said.
Malaya conveyed to ANRPC the Philippines’ keen interest in engaging a closer technical cooperation with ANRPC and its Kuala Lumpur-based affiliate International Research Development Board (IRDB), to maximize the potential of rubber production in the Philippines.
The ANRPC is an inter-governmental organization established in 1970. It aims to foster cooperation among the different governments of natural rubber-producing countries. Its members include Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
ANRPC members’ production accounts for about 92 percent of the global production of natural rubber in 2010. The Philippines joined ANRPC in April 2010.
Meanwhile, ANRPC’s secretary-general invited the Philippines to participate in the upcoming ANRPC Annual Assembly in Hainan, China on October 31 to November 5.
