Philippines Plans To Import Weapons, Firearms From Pakistan, Says Finance Chief

After Russia and China, the Philippines is now also looking at importing weapons and armory from Pakistan, further diversifying the country’s sources from the US, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said.

“I spoke with the Pakistani Minister of Defense and my understanding is that the defense industry in Pakistan is very advanced, and that maybe we should look at purchasing military equipment from them,” the Finance Chief said.

Dominguez mentioned this during his meeting with Pakistani Ambassador Safdar Hayat recently. A statement about the meeting was issued on Wednesday, December 7.

“I spoke right away with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. He says the equipment in the Pakistan Defense Ministry is very good,” he added.

Pakistan is located in the Middle East and has been battling terrorist groups such as the Al-Qaeda on its borders for years after the attack in the US in September 2011.

Aside from military equipment, Dominguez said Manila is also keen on importing rice from Islamabad once import restrictions expire next year.

“My efforts from the very beginning have been to concentrate on enhancing trade between the two countries,” Hayat said.

According to Hayat, Pakistan is also interested in exporting rice along with weapons, tanks, aircraft and submarines to the Philippines.

“Pakistan could also export textiles to, and import chemicals and manufactured goods from, the Philippines,” Hayad added.

The country’s top exports to Pakistan include corn, vehicles and vehicle parts, cigarette paper, malt extract and processed fruits and nuts.

The Philippines, in turn, imports packaged medicaments, refined petroleum, alcohol, raw tobacco, non-retail pure cotton yarn, and textiles, among other items, from Pakistan.

Source: Philstar