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October 15, 1997

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Union of Myanmar, hereinafter referred to as the "Parties";

Knowing that there are many shared characteristics between the forests of the two countries and forestry concerns;

Committed to a conservation-oriented forest utilization;

Aware of the important role of forests in sustainable development;

HAVE AGREED as follows:

ARTICLE I
AREAS OF COOPERATION

The areas of cooperation shall be in the fields of:

1. Forestry research and development;

2. Forest products processing and marketing;

3. People-oriented forestry;

4. Forest protection, biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism;

5. Technology development on forest utilization especially of lesser known species.

ARTICLE II
FORM OF COOPERATION

1. Form of cooperation in the areas referred to in Article I may include:

2. Exchange of information;

3. Exchange of visits of officials, scientists, scholars and private sectors of both countries;

4. Collaborative research and development activities;

5. Other forms of cooperation as may be mutually determined.

ARTICLE III
IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT

For the purpose of this Memorandum, the Parties shall establish a Joint Committee, composed of representatives appointed by each Party. The Committee shall prepare the plan of action and shall screen all specific proposals for technical cooperation. The Committee shall submit periodic reports on the progress of implementation of the MOU to the Governments of the Philippines and Myanmar. The Committee shall meet at least once every year alternately in the Philippines and in Myanmar.

Each Party shall designate an appropriate Implementing Agency which shall monitor the implementation of mutually agreed projects/activities for cooperation.

ARTICLE IV
AMENDMENT

This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended at any time by mutual agreement between the two Governments on the recommendation of the Committee.

ARTICLE V
DISPUTE

Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, application or implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be settled amicably by both Parties.

ARTICLE VI
PERIOD OF COOPERATION

This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force on the date of its signature by the duly authorized representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Union of Myanmar and shall be valid for four (4) years.

This Memorandum of Understanding shall be valid until terminated by either Party by written notice, through the diplomatic channels, six (6) months prior to the intended date of termination.

If the Memorandum of Understanding ceases to have effect on account of termination thereof, its provisions shall continue to apply for the period and to the extent necessary as decided by mutual agreement by both parties to secure the implementation of any project of cooperation concluded under this Memorandum of Understanding.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Memorandum of Understanding.

DONE at Yangon on the 15th day of October 1997 in two original copies in the English language.

Entry into Force: October 15, 1997