Nebraska keen on boosting exports to PH

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen —US EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES/FACEBOOK

Nebraska is looking to export ethanol and agricultural products to the Philippines, banking on the country’s growing economy and the increasing demand for food and fuel.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen led Nebraska’s trade mission to the Philippines to expand markets for the American state’s ethanol and promote beef, pork and wheat through long-term business relationships.

“We’re believers in relationships,” Pillen told the Inquirer in an interview, “We expect tangible business outcomes where we do business in a win-win relationship.”

Win-win deal

Pillen said Nebraska sees a “tremendous” opportunity to expand ethanol exports to the Philippines as the country considers raising the ethanol content of gasoline.

“We believe that buying Nebraska ethanol direct to the Philippines can be a win-win for everybody,” he said.

During his visit to Manila, Pillen met with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to promote Nebraska’s low-carbon ethanol, saying that mixing gasoline with ethanol can reduce fuel and energy costs.

Nebraska’s trade delegation also met with major importers to promote pork, beef and wheat exports to the Philippines, adding that both sides stand to benefit from increased agricultural trade.

“I would say the investments would be in working with food companies that are distributing within the retail sector,” he said. “It’s about bringing cuts of beef, cuts of pork, chicken that’s going to work in retail stores and in your grocery stores.”