Philippines, Myanmar to ink deals on trade, agriculture

The Philippines and Myanmar will forge agreements on trade and investments and agriculture on Thursday, a senior government official said Wednesday. Presidential Communications Operations Office chief Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the deals are part of several agreements which will be signed following a bilateral meeting between Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Myanmar President U Thein Sein who is in the country for a state visit. The two leaders are also expected to forge an agreement on renewable energy, information cooperation, and visa exemption of ordinary passport holders. Coloma said representatives from the chambers of commerce and industries of both countries will also sign an agreement to expand business opportunities and trade relations. Following the signing of the deals, Myanmar will turn over its donation to the victims of the earthquake and typhoon Haiyan, locally named "Yolanda," to the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development. Coloma said Aquino will tender luncheon for Thein Sein after the bilateral talks. The Myanmar leader will stay in the Philippines until Dec. 6.