Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan (Right) met with outgoing New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore (Left) to bid farewell and discuss the development and status of collaborations between the two countries on July 31 at the NEDA Director-General’s Office.
As of December 2013, active official development assistance extended by New Zealand to the Philippines amount to US$15.7 million, ranking 12th among the country’s sources of grant aid.
Ambassador Levermore shared New Zealand’s experiences in dealing with disasters while Sec. Balisacan related the status of the country’s reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Ambassador Levermore also informed Sec. Balisacan on the progress of the Philippine-New Zealand Dairy Project which has already commenced in Calabarzon and Northern Mindanao. The Ambassador disclosed that the project is aimed at developing the country’s dairy industry through a value-chain approach with emphasis on dairy farm productivity and breeding capability.
Mr. Levermore has been serving as New Zealand ambassador to the Philippines since February 2012. He was accompanied by New Zealand Aid Program Manager Hannah Walton-France during the meeting.
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