The Evolution of Philippine Fishery Policies and Issues for Developing Export Markets Under a Global Trading Environment

In the realm of international trade in agricultural commodities, the Philippines has now turned into a net food importer. Such is the case with the major items as cereals, livestock meat and dairy products. The Fishery may be the remaining sector in agriculture where positive net exports can be sustained. In a globalize trade environment, however, export potentials do not necessarily translate to the development of the same from within, and to market access from without. While the rules on market access as defined by the country’s multilateral and bilateral agreements are important, this paper focuses on the policy environment within.