PE Madrid CDA Emmanuel Fernandez giving his welcome remarks.
Almost 200 Madrid-based Filipinos and Spaniards attended the Mango Investment Forum jointly organized by the Department of Agriculture, Philippines Mango Industry Foundation Inc. and the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, on 01 December 2016 at the VP Hotel El Madroño.
Madrid-based Pinoys and Spaniards participating in the Mango Investment Forum.
The participants were welcomed to the event by PE Madrid’s Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i., Emmanuel Fernandez and DA-Regional Field Office VI Executive Director Remelyn Recoter, who also briefed the audience on the Mission’s objective to promote Philippine fresh mangoes and its by-products to the European Union market. They were followed by DA-Regional Field Office I Executive Director Velentino Perdido who presented an overview of the Philippine Mango Industry and DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Services Investment Chief Rowena Genete who shared the industry’s export outlook and investment opportunities. PMIFI President and Chairperson Virgie Dela Fuente then discussed with the participants the various investment packages that Filipinos in Spain and their families in the Philippines, may wish to consider. Capping the event was a Question and Answer segment which allowed participants to raise their issues and concerns to DA and PMIFI officials.
Agriculture Attaché Jose Laquian moderating the Forum’s Q&A segment.
While in Madrid, the joint DA-PMIFI delegation also conducted market scan activities in select retail outlets and supermarkets. The delegation was also warmly received by officials of Mercamadrid who briefed them on the operations of the Market as well as showed them the Fruits and Vegetables Section where the delegation was able to interact with wholesalers and explore possible business collaboration.
Mercamadrid officials briefing the DA-PMIFI delegation on the Market’s operations.
The Mercamadrid complex houses wholesale markets for: 1) fish and seafood; 2) meat and poultry; and 3) fruits and vegetables, along with storage and transportation facilities. The market is home to some 800 businesses, employs over 20,000 people, has a consumer coverage of 12 million, and covers an area of 176 hectares. Established in 1982, Mercamadrid is owned by the City Government of Madrid and state-owned Mercasa.
DA-PMIFI delegation visiting the Fruits & Vegetables Section of Mercamadrid.
Madrid was the third stop of the four-leg Philippine Mango Industry Investment Promotion Caravan of the DA-PMIFI, which also included London, Vienna and Brussels from Nov. 26 to Dec.4.