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December 18, 1997

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic hereinafter referred to as "the Parties";

Desiring to enhance the existing friendly relations between the two countries through the development of cooperation in the fields of agriculture and forestry; and

Recognizing the advantages to be derived by their respective peoples from the implementation of such cooperation;

Have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I
AREAS OF COOPERATION

The Parties shall cooperate in all fields of agriculture and forestry, with particular attention to rice, sugar, coconut, maize, horticultural and vegetable crops, fruit trees, integrated pest management, agriculture and forestry research development, irrigation development and water management, which include the following activities:

i) Exchange of expertise, improved technologies, and technical information;

ii) Research, training and study/observation tour;

iii) Promotion of joint ventures in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural and forestry commodities;

iv) Promotion of cooperation with regional and international programmes/conventions by strengthening institutional capacity; and

v) Joint collaborative research and development program / project of mutual benefit.

ARTICLE II
MODES OF IMPLEMENTATION

The implementation of the activities set forth in Article 1 of this Agreement shall be subject to the structure of institutional organizations and prevailing laws, regulations, and procedures in each country and be carried out by the following:

i) Establishing mutual relations between the designated agencies and departments of both countries, including the private sector;

ii) Extending facilities for exchanges of experts and technicians;

iii) Arranging fellowships for technicians and staff for training, observation, study and research;

iv) Other means regarded as necessary by the Parties.

ARTICLE III
IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENT

The agricultural and forestry cooperation shall be conducted in accordance with the capabilities and requirements of the respective Parties as well as with the terms and conditions to be agreed upon by the Parties. The detailed provisions relating to the forms and methods as well as to the conditions of such cooperation in the agreed areas, including intellectual property rights, shall be laid down in separate implementing arrangements.

ARTICLE IV
JOINT COMMITTEE

1. For the effective implementation of this Agreement, a Joint Committee is created composed of an equal number of representatives from both Parties as may be agreed upon through diplomatic channels. The focal points shall be the following:

For the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture;

For the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

2. As may be necessary, the Joint Committee may create "Working Groups" for specific areas including rice, sugarcane, horticulture, integrated pest management, irrigation water management.

3. The Joint Committee shall formulate and submit recommendations to the respective Ministers with a view to promote the agricultural and forestry development of both, and to this end, may from time to time decide on:

i) Matters of policy, substance, and procedure concerning the Joint Committee;

ii) The functioning of any Working Group which may be constituted by the Joint Committee; and

iii) Any other matters pertaining to the sound development of agricultural and forestry cooperation between the Parties.

4. The Joint Committee may meet whenever deemed necessary by mutual consent;

5. All matters for consideration of the Joint Committee shall be submitted through normal procedures existing and implemented by both Governments.

ARTICLE V
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

The activities pursuant to this Agreement, are subject to the availability of funds and personnel and to the laws and regulations of the respective Parties to this Agreement.

ARTICLE VI
COORDINATION AND MONITORING

Each of the Parties shall designate an Executive Secretary who shall be responsible for coordinating and monitoring all activities carried out under the auspices of this Agreement. The Executive Secretaries will develop biennial work programs to give effect to the objectives of this Agreement for approval by the Joint Committee. The Executive Secretaries shall be permanent members of the Joint Committee.

ARTICLE VII
DISPUTE SETTLEMENT

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, application, or implementation of the Agreement shall be settled amicably by consultation or negotiation between the two Parties.

ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENT

Either Party may request in writing, through diplomatic channels, a revision or amendment of all or parts of this Agreement. Any revision or amendment to which has been agreed to by the Parties shall come into effect on such date as will be determined by the Parties.

ARTICLE IX
ENTRY INTO FORCE

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the latter notification by any Party, through diplomatic channels, that its domestic requirements have been complied with.

ARTICLE X
VALIDITY

This Agreement shall be valid for a period of two (2) years. Thereafter, it shall be automatically renewed for additional periods of two (2) years each, unless terminated earlier by either Party upon notice given through diplomatic channels to the other Party, six (6) months prior to the date of expiry of the relevant period.

If the Agreement ceases to have effect on account of the termination thereof, its provision shall continue to apply and extend if necessary and decided by mutual agreement between the Parties to secure the implementation of any project of cooperation concluded under this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, on behalf of their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

DONE at Manila on 18 December 1997 in four original texts, two each in the English and Lao languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence in interpretation, the English text shall prevail.